MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The equation was simple. The big-game experience of Grace Academy’s six seniors multiplied by the magnitude of the moment equaled a 13-2 run in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter.
And that five-minute formula produced a 66-53 Golden Eagles victory over Memphis Westwood in the semifinals of the Class A state basketball tournament Friday.
“I believe experience made a big difference for us,” Golden Eagles coach Jon Mattheiss said. “Our guys stayed aggressive and attacked the basket. I think Westwood may have gotten a little tight and became stagnant on offense, but our guys weren’t passive at all.
“We had seniors that were determined to do whatever it took to get it done.”
The Golden Eagles advance to the state championship game for the third time in program history. They finished runner-up in 2004 and 2006 and will try again for their first title today at 3 p.m. EDT against top-ranked Clarksville Academy. It marks the eighth time this decade a Chattanooga team will play in the Class A title game.