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BASKETBALL

Putnam City shoots too soon - and loses

Many times this year Putnam City has played out the game ending situation. The Pirates would bring the ball down the court with 30 to 45 seconds remaining and play for the final shot of the period.

Thursday, in the opening round of the 6A Boys' State tournament, top-ranked Putnam City met No. 5 Tulsa Memorial at Carl Albert High School. It was win or go home for the two schools.

Tyler Earls gave the Pirates a boost early with three baskets from beyond the three-point line.

Putnam City held a seven point lead entering the fourth quarter, but Memorial managed to tie the game.

PC did not hold the ball this time. The shot missed. Memorial rebounded the errant shot and Blaise Voskuhl-Staab drove the lane - and scored the game winner.

The loss by Putnam City was their first in-state defeat, but it eliminated the Pirates from a chance at the gold ball with a 40-38 win.

Memorial will meet Midwest City tonight at 7:30 PM at the Ford Center.

The other two teams remaining in the tourney are Putnam City North and Edmond Santa Fe. They meet at 9:00 PM.