By Nick Robbe

     Coach Blaine Gabriel said it best when he said that no one thought that his team would be in the position they are in after the game against Southeastern.  A 39-31win gives the Spartans a chance to play in the Convocation center.

     The second game at McAfee Gymnasium got off to a similar slow start, with Alexander only scoring three points.

     “I looked at my assistant coach and said just how in the hell could we only score three points, we’ve shot all these layups and missed them,” Gabriel said.  “We sat there and talked and said if there was any way we could get the lead we’d be in good shape.”

     Jake Gray made a three to give Alexander the lead and the Spartans never looked back.

     “Jake Gray hit the three before the end of half (which was) huge for to get us the lead, because at halftime we had only scored one two point bucket, Gabriel said.

     Jack Hart was held scoreless in the first half, but was able to contribute in other parts of the game.

     “Jack didn’t get his triple-double but you can see what he did with his blocks and rebounds,” Gabriel said.  “He does not have to score a whole bunch of points for us to be competitive with people. “

     Hart finished with eight point, 13 rebounds, and seven blocks.

     Gabriel was very appreciative to the fan base after the game.

     “That was huge for us tonight, hopefully they will come out an support us at the Convo.

     The next game for the Spartans is against Piketon.

     “We got to finish our shots, make our foul shots, Piketon is a very good, very athletic team, they are like 19-2 or 20-2—I heard earlier they won by 30+,” Gabriel said.