February 22nd DILLON, S.C. — In a game that featured 10 lead changes, clutch baskets and a dramatic overtime finish, the Gastonia Snipers escaped with a 124–123 victory over the Balling Brothers on Sunday evening at the Dillon Wellness Center. Neither team led by double digits in a contest that felt destined to go down to the final possession. Balling Brothers set the early tone, using a balanced offensive attack to claim a 30–23 lead after one quarter. The Snipers steadied themselves in the second, responding with 31 points to trim the deficit and keep the game within striking distance at halftime. The third quarter belonged largely to Balling Brothers, who leaned on Josh Williams’ efficient scoring and timely shooting from the perimeter to maintain control. Williams finished with 29 points on 12-of-23 shooting, consistently attacking gaps in the defense. Shakeem White added 18 points, while Travis Cooper chipped in 16 as Balling Brothers carried momentum into the fourth.

But Gastonia had one more surge left. The Snipers erupted for 33 points in the final period, fueled by their dominance on the glass and second-chance opportunities. Jihad Wright delivered a standout performance with 23 points and 16 rebounds, controlling the paint on both ends. Josh Windham added 21 points, and Keandre Marion contributed 22, helping the Snipers erase the deficit and force overtime tied at 113. In the extra session, every possession mattered. The teams traded baskets before Gastonia executed just well enough down the stretch to edge the Brothers 11–10 in overtime. A late defensive stop sealed the one-point win in a contest that featured little separation all night. Statistically, the difference was slim on the scoreboard but clear in key areas. Gastonia dominated the rebounding battle 61–34, including 20 offensive boards that led to critical second-chance points. The Snipers also shot 53.9 percent from two-point range, capitalizing on interior opportunities when it mattered most. Balling Brothers shot 39.8 percent from the field and received strong individual efforts, but ultimately could not overcome Gastonia’s rebounding edge and late-game execution. When the final horn sounded, it was the Snipers walking off the floor with a hard-earned 124–123 overtime victory — the kind of tightly contested game that leaves little margin for error and lingers long after the crowd has gone home.