Big time players step up in big time moments and that is exactly what Jalen Clark and Avery Stuart did Wednesday night as they led the Eagles to a 56-52 win over Bibb County. Clark, who has been a scorer his whole career, has not had to carry the offensive load this season, but he answered the call when needed in the Sub-regional game and Stuart continues to be a reliable offensive weapon for the ACA attack. The duo combined for 41 of the team’s 56 points in the 56-52 triumph.
Jalen Clark looks to break down his defender.
The Choctaws held an early 4-0 lead until Clark drained a three for the Eagles first points of the contest. ACA scored the last five points of the period on three Caden Perry free throws and a Clark stick back and led 13-8 at the end of one. Alabama Christian led 17-10 with 6:30 remaining in the half, but Bibb County pulled even by the half as the teams left the floor tied 26-26. ACA managed only eight points in the third quarter and trailed 39-32 late in the period when Braden Alford came up with a steal and drew a Choctaw foul at the buzzer to earn two chances at the free throw line. Standing alone on the court, the senior hit both attempts to trim the lead to 39-34. The momentum from that play did not last long as Bibb County grabbed its biggest lead of the night at 44-36 with 6:14 left in the contest. With 4:01 remaining and trailing 46-41, the Eagles finally got the run they needed as they scored nine consecutive points in 87 seconds to take a 50-46 lead. The run started with a Clark rebound of a missed free throw. The senior hit Stuart on the run for a basket and a foul. After the made free throw the lead was cut to two points and Stuart scored on the next two trips down the floor to give ACA a 48-46 advantage. Braden Alford forced a turnover and even though he missed the layup, Clark got the put back for the 50-46 lead with 2:34 left in the contest. Bibb County tied the game with 54.3 seconds remaining, but Avery Stuart knocked down two free throws with 37.1 seconds left on the clock. After ACA missed a pair of free throws, Bibb County had a chance to tie the game or take the lead, but Hayes Hunt blocked the Choctaw shot and saved the ball to Clark, who was fouled, with just 7.2 seconds remaining. Clark calmly hit the free throws for the 56-52 win and a trip to Regionals.
Avery Stuart takes the Choctaw defense to the basket.
Jalen Clark led all scorers with 22 points, 16 coming in the first half, and recorded a double-double with 11 rebounds. Avery Stuart carried the offensive load in the second half with 16 points after intermission, 14 in the fourth period, and finished the night with 19 points, three rebound and three blocks.
ACA advances to Regionals for the first time in 23 years and will travel to Tuskegee to take on Booker T Washington on Friday night.