Chris Whitaker
LEESBURG — The Panthers finally finished a game.
After almost letting a 14-point lead slip away, Kyle Champion's old-fashioned 3-point play with 50 seconds remaining lifted Americus-Sumter to a 63-58 win at Lee County on Tuesday.
"It's a big win," said coach Michael Coley. "We've been struggling as of late, and it's great to get a win and get things turned around. We didn't play a complete game, but well enough to win."
After a 13-13 tie to end the first, the Panthers (6-13, 1-1) built a 35-25 lead at the half. Their big lead was cut to two at 56-54 in the final minutes before Champion's play sealed the win.
"That was very big," said Coley. "Kyle's been struggling at the free-throw line, and I called a timeout before the shot to tell him to take his time and make the free throw. We were able to close it out.
"We led by 14 at one time, and I think we have to learn to make better decisions with the ball. We made some questionable decisions and allowed Lee to get momentum and make it a game the last minute. They played very well down the stretch. They're a very competitive team."
Deonte Fulks led the Panthers with 23 points, including three 3-pointers, and James Burton added 12. Keldrick Cochran had 12 rebounds, and Burton and Tyler Moore each had seven.
"To me as a coach, you feel great when a player is developing and reaching some of his potential," said Coley of Fulks. "Down the stretch, he made big play after big play. He attacked the basket, got in the lane and created and was able to finish when it got tight."
Sanford Seay led Lee (4-14, 0-2) with 25 points, and Jacolby Mallory had 10.
"(Seay's) a tremendous athlete, and he created some matchup problems," said Coley. "He attacked the basket well, and he caused us to get in foul trouble. When we play them again, we'll have to give him a little extra attention."
Americus-Sumter travels to Thomas County Central on Friday.
