Last-minute steal seals deal for Karns

It was a high-scoring game with many lead changes, but a last-minute steal by Karns essentially sealed the deal.

The Oak Ridge Wildcats were ahead of the Karns Beavers 81-80 with less than a minute to play at Wildcat Arena on Friday night.

But shortly after missing two free throws and with about 30 seconds remaining, Karns (17-4, 9-2) stole the ball from Oak Ridge (17-4, 7-4) and scored.

Oak Ridge was unable to score again and missed two free throws in the final seconds while Karns hit two.

The final score was 84-81 in favor of Karns.

“They played really well, especially in the second half,” Oak Ridge Wildcats coach Aaron Green said.

The Wildcats had led at the half 42-35, and the score was tied 58-58 after three quarters.

Green said the Wildcats played well on offense, with some high scoring and big shots in the fourth, but the team could have played better on defense.

The loss ended a seven-game win streak for Oak Ridge.

A matchup between the two teams in December was also close. The Wildcats beat the Beavers 60-59 on Dec. 11 at Karns.

Also Friday evening, the Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats beat the Lady Beavers 66-21.

The teams next play the Knoxville Central Bobcats on Tuesday in Knoxville.