Unioto Opens SVC Boys Basketball With OT Win Over Zane Trace

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Two old SVC basketball rivals opened 2021-22 conference play against each other Friday and the game turned out like many of their other contests over the years- going down to the wire.

Unioto won a 53-51 OT thriller over Zane Trace, in a match-up that many believe will be the top two teams in SVC Boys Basketball this season.

(DeSean Branson connect at foul line. Photo: Litter Media/Mike Smith)

Unioto’s DeSean Branson, for the second time this season, hit a shot in the closing seconds to win the game. He hit a mid-court shot last week for a non-conference win at Logan. Branson led all scorers with 20 points.

DeSean Branson runner off the glass gives Unioto 53-51 win over ZT pic.twitter.com/zZtTlRHIoX
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The score remain close most of the game, with neither team gaining more than a 4-5 point lead.

The Shermans led 10-9 after one quarter and a Blake Hoops runner off the glass sent both teams to the locker room at halftime even at 18-18. Unioto held a 37-33 advantage after three periods to set up the fourth quarter battle.

Zane Trace grabbed a brief 38-37 lead with 4:37 to play in regulation, only to see the Shermans take the lead back on their next trip down the floor.

Unioto point guard Blake Hoops left the game with an ankle injury in the closing minutes, having scored 10 points at that point.

ZT’s Xzander Ream connected on a driving bucket and was fouled, making the free throw for 41-39 ZT lead. Unioto answered with a Ben Spetnagel bucket and a free throw for a Unioto 42-41 lead with 2:30 left.

Both teams traded buckets to get to 45-45 and Unioto with the ball in the closing seconds. The Pioneers’ 6’8 senior Donivan Baker stepped in front of a Shermans’ pass in the high post to keep Unioto from winning at the end of regulation.

With the score tied 47-47 in the overtime, Ben Nichols of Zane Trace fouled out, which was followed by a technical foul being called against ZT. Unioto’s Ben Spetnagel proceeded to connect on all four free throws for a 51-47 lead. But, the Pioneers came right back to go on a 4-0 run to even the game 51-51.

Unioto took the ball on their final possession with 11 seconds remaining. The inbound pass went to DeSean Branson who dribbled through three Pioneers’ defenders, shooting a soft shot off the glass for the 53-51 lead. Zane Trace’ desperation shot from 3/4 quarter fell short, giving the Shermans the overtime 53-51 win.