Providence Hall plays third straight overtime game, gets win at buzzer

After losing its first two games in overtime, the Providence Hall boys basketball team faced a familiar situation as its game against North County Christian was pushed into an extra period. But Luke Gonzalez grabbed the rebound from the Lion’s first attempt at a game winning shot and scored as time expired to earn a 69-67 victory.

“We were clutch at the end,” head coach Keith Luberto said. “We found a way to win.”

Providence Hall started its second game at the Santa Clarita Christian Tournament well, and jumped out to 21-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Turnovers and a lack of execution on offense allowed North County Christian to close the lead and eventually tie the game at the end of regulation time.

In overtime, Gonzalez was put on the free throw line with 20 seconds remaining and his team down by two. He had only scored three points in the game, but cooly sank both foul shots.

North County Christian scored on its next possession, but Gonzalez’s put-back gave the lead to the Lions for good.

Erik Sheets led Providence Hall with 21 points, followed closely by Matthew Eaton with 20. Gonzalez finished the game with seven points, and scored the last four for the Lions.

Providence Hall (1-2) will play Vasquez tomorrow for fifth place in the tournament.