In a hard fought third meeting between two rivals, the Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs’ rallied to defeat the Mainland Buccaneers 45-39 in a quarterfinal boys basketball playoff district game at Mainland Wednesday evening (Feb. 9).
Mainland took a 25-20 lead into half time. Senior center Lawrence Certain picked up his fourth foul with 4:45 remaining in the third quarter, by which time Mainland had an 11-point lead. Sophomore Tyler Hopkins quickly responded with two consecutive three-pointers, and Michael McDonald chipped in 5 points as the Bulldogs made a run, closing the gap.
In the fourth quarter, FPC tightened up its defense further, holding Mainland to just three points while making crucial free throws to seal the come-back victory. At game’s end the Bulldogs erupted in celebration as they left the court.
“All year long we’ve been searching for consistency and growth,” FPC Coach Gary McDaniel said after the game. “Tonight our young kids grew up and hopefully will give us a consistent effort from now on. Our entire staff is proud of our program.”
FPC’s next match is on Friday evening at 7 p.m. against the top-seeded DeLand Bulldogs, at DeLand. The team is looking for its supporters to come out in force at the Bulldogs’ duel.
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