Joplin battled back in the fourth quarter against Central to force overtime and eventually win 90-88 over Central in double overtime.
The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 20-14 lead after one quarter and 37-30 lead at the half. Joplin played Central even in the third quarter trailing 54-47 after three quarters. The Eagles turned it on in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 74-74 forcing overtime.
In overtime, Central drove the length of the court in less than four seconds and hit a corner three to force a second overtime. Joplin held on in the second overtime to get the win and advance.
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All Wright led all scorers with 41 points for Joplin. He scored 14 of his 41 points in the two overtime periods. Terrance Gibson contributed 20 for Joplin with Whit Hafer adding in 12.
Central had four players in double figures led by Antonio Starks-Fewell with 24 points. Sterling Vinson (18 points), Tayshaun Wells (16 points) and Jamarius Lawrie (10 points) also scored in double figures.
Joplin advances to face top seed Nixa in the Class 6 District 5 semifinals on Friday.
Joplin – 14-16-17-20-12-11 — 90
Central – 20-17-17-13-12-9 — 88
J: All Wright 41, Terrance Gibson 20, Whit Hafer 12, Quinton Renfro 8, Cooper Williams 4, Collis Jones 4, Brandon Gooch 1
C: Starks-Fewell 24, Sterling Vinson 18, Tayshaun Wells 16, Jamarius Lawrie 10, Keion Epps 8, Tae’Sean McShane 7, Jordan Pittman 3, Drelando Wells 2
