Marion faced Crispus Attucks in a 3A Indiana high school basketball battle on Saturday afternoon. Marion had won five straight games heading into the match-up while Attucks had dropped two in a row before Saturday. The game was back and forth throughout before a last second shot decided the game.

Attucks started off with a strong punch as Dorain Moore knocked down shots to give the Tigers a lead. After Moore's start, Teyon Scanlon continued the shooting and scoring for Attucks. The duo combined for 15 points in the opening quarter.

The first quarter was played at a rapid pace. That came as no surprise as both teams are averaging more than 75 points per game. Marion's early scoring came from the usual suspects – Reggie Jones and Vijay Blackmon. Jones had it cookin' from the start. He converted on four of his first five shots of the game on his way to 10 first period points.

The tempo slowed a bit in the second quarter after a combined 43 points in the opening period. One reason for that was the foul situation of each team. Both teams were in the bonus nearly the entire quarter. Blackmon took advantage of that in the second quarter; he made six of seven free throws in the period.

2017 wing Nike Sibande has had a great season for Indianapolis Crispus Attucks. Sibande was able to get on track in the second quarter. He scored seven points in the frame to keep Attucks in the game.

Marion led 38-37 at halftime.

The back and forth nature of the game continued in the second half. After a quiet first half, senior wing Saumeik Rolle increased his production in the third period. Rolle tallied eight points in the quarter. His play gave Attucks the lead going to the final quarter.

Attucks pushed its lead to eight points early in the fourth quarter. Vijay Blackmon answered right back to get Marion back within one possession. It was a wild period throughout as the intensity increased and the lead changed hands.

Junior guard Tim Leavell gave Marion the lead with a three-pointer at the 1:02 mark. The drama was just beginning. Attucks answered with a three from Teyon Scanlon with under 30 seconds remaining in the game. That gave Attucks a two point advantage.

Marion wasted no time racing the ball up the court with Reggie Jones getting to the basket. He missed the shot but junior Gage Pinkerton was there for the rebound. He was able to gather the ball and put it in with 10 seconds remaining to tie the game.

After a timeout by Attucks, the Tigers were able to advance the ball up the court in a matter of seconds. The ball found Saumeik Rolle open in the corner for a three-pointer. The senior knocked it down to put Attucks up three points with three seconds left on the clock.

There was no miracle play by Marion in the waning seconds. Crispus Attucks won by the final of 72-69.

Nike Sibande led the way for Attucks with 17 points. The Tigers had five players in double figures – Saumeik Rolle 16, Teyon Scanlon 15, Dorain Moore 12 and Donte Reed 10.

Vijay Blackmon had a game-high 25 points in the loss. Tim Leavell added 16 and Reggie Jones had 14 points.