BOYS BASKETBALL Bailey lifts Skyhawks over Falcons in OT
Photos and Story
By Mike Maddock
Mike@TheColumbiaStar.com

Hammond junior guard Daniel Bailey went over the 1,000 point mark earlier this season. Here he is guarded by Luke Smith. Bailey finished with a game- high 34 points. Smith scored two points for Ben Lippen.

Daniel Bailey scored 23 of his game- high 34 points in the second half and four more in overtime to lead the Hammond Skyhawks (12- 3, 2- 0) over the Ben Lippen Falcons (12- 6, 1- 1) 69- 65 at Ben Lippen Tues., Jan. 16.

The contest between region foes could not have been closer with each period ending in a tie; 18- 18 in the first, 28- 28 in the second, 42- 42 in the third, and 61- 61 at the end of regulation.

The Skyhawks seemed poised to end the game in regulation after Bailey's free throw put them up 61- 58 and Philip Deter's jump shot missed for the Falcons, but Hammond's Josh Walters was called for travelling with 10.3 seconds remaining. The Falcons' David Pascutti then promptly drilled a three- point shot from the top of the key to send the game into overtime. The Falcons got one more shot with 1.4 seconds remaining, but could not convert.

Ben Lippen's David Pascutti drives past Steven Harvin. Pascutti hit a three pointer to send the game to overtime.

In overtime, Bailey scored four quick points and Tyler Bailey added three free throws to put the Skyhawks up 68- 61. Pascutti and Austin Oelhafen's baskets in the paint closed the gap to 68- 65 for the Falcons, but Wilson McWilliams' free throw with 21 seconds left stretched the lead to 69- 65.

Philip Deter led the Falcons with 24 points.

Hammond: Daniel Bailey 34, Tyler Bailey 16, Josh Walters 7, Steven Harvin 4, A.D. Briggs 4, Wilson McWilliams 4

Ben Lippen: Philip Deter 24, David Pascutti 21, Austin Oelhafen 10, Matt Smarr 5, Mitchell Deter 3, Luke Smith 2