In a great fourth quarter, Danville used last-second free throws from Austin Cowart to beat Indianapolis Manual Wednesday night. (Pictured: Jalen Johnson)

Key Stretch

Danville seemed to hold a five to seven point lead for most of the night. That changed in the fourth quarter when Jalen Johnson converted a bucket in the lane and added a free throw to give Manual the lead. It was back and forth from there. After struggling on the offensive end for most of the night, Alec Burton came alive in the fourth quarter. Each time he scored, it gave the lead back to Danville.

Burton put Danville up two points with a free throw. Manual took a three-pointer that was off the mark and looked like Danville would get the rebound. Instead, the ball bounced off of a couple of players right to Jalen Johnson. He missed the layup, but Ali Alquraishy was there for the putback to tie the game.

With 3.3 seconds left, Danville was able to get the ball to Austin Cowart with a head of steam. He was able to get to the basket but was met by a few Manual players. In the act of shooting, the officials called a foul on Manual. After a discussion about when the foul was called, 0.5 seconds were put on the scoreboard. Cowart hit both free throws to give Danville the 50-48 lead. That was the final after Manual's long pass was intercepted.

Standout Players

Austin Cowart led the Danville charge early. He was scoring and setting up teammates on a regular basis. He finished with 10 points and six assists. He did a great job all night long.

Alec Burton, Caden Thompson, Sam Comer, and Dillon Ware helped Danville dominate the glass early. They were able to get nine offensive rebounds on the night. 

Jalen Johnson's aggressiveness and rebounding led Manual back in the fourth quarter. He finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Danville's size and strength made it tough for him to finish in the paint, but he kept battling. 

Braxton Houston hit a couple threes while also going 5-5 from the free throw line.

Joshua Pack finished with eight points, three assists and two steals in the loss.

Next up

These teams are in Sectional 28 together. They both received byes to the semifinals. Manual will likely face Beech Grove and Danville will get rival Tri-West if there are no upsets.