New Diana Holds Off A Winona Surge To Win 60-56

The Eagles beat back a fourth quarter Wildcat run to win at home

DIANA, TX, Feb. 13, 2009 -- Leading 50-44 at the opening of the fourth quarter, the New Diana Eagles had no reason to sweat the final score in this evening's game against Winona. The game had been close, but the Eagles had held a five to six point lead for the last two quarters. The next two and half minutes, though, would give them reason to perspire.

With 5:30 left to play, the Wildcats had run off six unanswered points and tied the game at 50 all. The score would remain close for the next five minutes, both teams fighting viciously for rebounds, and answering basket for basket.

With 24 seconds left, the Eagles again saw daylight. Ryne Powell converted on two clutch free throws, giving Diana a razor thin lead, 58-56. The teams swapped scoreless possessions until a Bo Yarbrough steal and lay-up with nine seconds left put the game out of Winona's reach and into the Eagles win column.


SCORING BY QUARTER

   1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  FIN
New Diana  16  21  13  10  60
Winona     15  14  15  12  56

Diana's district record of (9-4) has them in third place, and a Harmony loss to White Oak tonight would lock up the finish and a play-off berth for the Eagles. They will wrap up their regular season Tuesday on the road at Harleton.

Winona closes the season Tuesday when they host state ranked #3 Sabine.