MARIANNA, Fla. – Center Hill fans know that
Kaeden Laws has made a habit out of hitting big shots late in games.
With time winding down and Jones trailing by a bucket, the freshman spotted up from the wing and nailed the game-winning three pointer as time expired off a
Calvin Temple dish as the Bobcats stunned No. 3 Chipola, 80-78.
Jones (10-0) led by as many as 11 in the first half, but had to rally from a 10-point deficit with under eight minutes to play to remain the only unbeaten team in the state.
Kris Gardner missed two free throws for Chipola (12-2) with 10.9 seconds left that would've stretched the lead to four. Instead, the Bobcats capitalized after the second miss to snap the Indians' 24-game home winning streak in dramatic fashion.
Ashton Campbell drilled a three off an inbounds play and assist from
Cowandric Samuel to give Jones its largest lead, 33-22, with 8:04 left in the first half.
A late spurt from the Indians helped them pull within 43-40 at the half.
Laws and
Calvin Temple combined for 29 of the Bobcats' 43 first-half points.
Chipola caught a big break early in the second half after
Decorian Payton looked to draw a clean charge in the paint. But referees determined he was inside the arc, reversed the call and the Indians would run off 21 of the next 27 points to take a 63-54 lead.
Trailing by 10 with 7:50 to play, Jones rallied back to take the lead, 70-69, on a Samuel steal and layup and free throw from Payton.
Jones scored the last six points to close the game after trailing 78-74.
The Bobcats shot 47 percent from the floor and hit 16-of-22 free throws. Chipola shot 49 percent from the floor.
Shayeon Davis led the Indians with 22 points.
Behind Laws' career-high 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting, Temple added 22 and Payton added 10 points and seven boards.
Jones will enjoy an extended break before returning to conference play on January 6 at Northwest Mississippi.