In a game that featured three big runs, Hamilton Southeastern had the last one to beat Pike, 74-66.

After a back and forth first 12 minutes, Hamilton Southeastern went on the first major run. The Royals outscored Pike 16-3 to end the first half. Senior guard Noah Smith was a big piece of the run as he created steals, scored at the basket, and set up teammates for scores.

HSE’s spurt gave the Royals a 12-point halftime lead. Chris Robinson’s third quarter erased that lead. Robinson was good in the first half then great in the third period. In a quarter that saw Pike outscore HSE 25-10, Robinson scored 13 of those points. The senior guard did everything for Pike – drove to the basket, hit outside shots, rebounded, dished assists, created steals. It was a fantastic game for Robinson.

Behind Robinson’s outburst, Pike led by five going to the fourth quarter. The Red Devils maintained the lead for half of the final quarter with help from Ahmoni Jones. The Pike senior had a great game as he hit mid-range shots and scored in the paint. He finished with 19 points and seven rebounds.

Down six points with 4:30 to play, Noah Smith and Aaron Etherington took over the game. They combined to score 16 of HSE’s last 18 points. Etherington scored 15 points in the fourth quarter including two threes late – one to give HSE the lead and one to seal it. Along with his scoring, Smith had a couple steals late and assisted on most of the made shots down the stretch.

Chris Robinson and Jalen Johnson tried to make enough to hold off HSE, but it wasn’t enough.

Hamilton Southeastern sprinted across the finish line for the 74-66 victory.

Noah Smith ended with 22 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Aaron Etherington added 21 points and six rebounds. Chris Grubbs was great slashing to the basket for HSE. He tallied 13 points and seven rebounds. Mabor Majak added seven points.

Pike’s Chris Robinson tallied 27 points, five rebounds, five steals, and four assists in the loss. It was a tremendous effort. Ahmoni Jones added 19 points and seven rebounds. AJ White and Jalen Johnson each finished with seven points.

Hamilton Southeastern moved to 2-0. Pike is now 2-2 after playing three games in Rockford, Illinois last week.