In a play eerily similar to North Carolina State’s iconic finish in the 1983 national championship game, the Glasgow Yellowjackets missed a potential game-winning shot from half-court, but the air ball ended up in the hands of forward Kennedy Davis, who tossed in Kabyl McMillian’s miss at the final buzzer.  That play, in a split-second, sent the Yellowjackets to the Class 1 boys “Show-Me Showdown”, and simultaneously ended the season of the Mercer Cardinals, with a 49-47 final score in the Class 1 quarterfinals on Saturday night, broadcast on Hot Country Z 101.7 from Salisbury High School.

The game was back-and-forth throughout, with Mercer leading by two points (10-8) after one quarter, but giving up the advantage on a 9-0 Glasgow spurt to start the second quarter.  However, Mercer ended the half with a flourish, outscoring Glasgow 12-2 to go into the locker room up 22-19.

The third quarter hurt Mercer, as the Cardinals defense concentrated on Glasgow’s dangerous inside game (Davis and senior forward Bryant Hubbard), only to see McMillian hit two three-point shots, part of a 20-12 ‘Jacket advantage that put the Cardinals in a chasing position heading into the fourth quarter.

Mercer stayed within striking distance of Glasgow, and caught the Yellowjackets on a bank-shot by Bryer Noe within the final ten seconds of regulation.  Tom Johnson had the call of the finish on Hot Country Z 101.7:

Mercer’s season ends two points shy of a first-ever trip to the “Show-Me Showdown”, with a record of 23-5.  Glasgow, now 25-3 on the season, will play the Grand River Conference champion, and #1 ranked Stanberry Bulldogs, in the state semifinals, Thursday night at 8:20 at the Hearnes Center in Columbia.

Mercer, in Saturday night’s defeat, had 13 points from Bryer Noe, 11 from Galt Porter, and 7 points from Trey Wilson.

The Glasgow girls took the front-end of the quarterfinal doubleheader at Salisbury, holding off a strong Community rally in the fourth quarter to win 55-47.  The Lady Yellowjackets will play #2 ranked Mound City in the state semifinals, Thursday in Columbia.