The Fairfield Eagles battled to the end of their bi-district contest at Midway High School but late free throws pushed the Academy Bumblebees to a 44-40 win and eliminating the Eagles from the Texas State Basketball playoffs.
The Eagles took an early lead on a Camren Daniels score off of an offensive rebound to take the 2-1 lead. Cooper Chase put the Bees ahead with eight points in the final moments of the period. Pierre Algood hit shots and Jy’ren Canady hit a three at the end of the period that cut the lead to 11-9. Academy missed their first ten shots but hit four their final five to take the two point lead.
Canady opened the second period with a three pointer followed by a three point make from Cooper Shackelford. Daniels cut the lead to two with another put back. Chase hit a three and Cole Shackelford scored to stretch the lead to 21-14. Canady added a second shot from long distance and Algood added a fast break basket and the Bees led 24-19 at the half.
Rex Bean hit a three pointer on the first possession of the period and sliced the lead to 24-22. Academy scored on their first two possessions to push the lead back up. The Bees made four of five shots midway through the third period and stretched the lead to 38-29 heading into the fourth period.
Daniels scored in the fourth period and forced his way to the free throw line, where he made four straight to cut into the lead. Academy missed seven of their first eight free throws in the final period. Bean hit a three pointer with :25 seconds remaining and cut the lead to 41-40.
Scout Brazeal knocked down three of four free throws in the final seconds to preserve the 44-40 win.
The Fairfield Eagles and Groesbeck Goats were eliminated in the bi-district round, but the Mexia Blackcats have advanced to the regional quarterfinal to play top five ranked Lorena Leopards.
