North Lenoir Snaps 10-Game Skid with Gritty Double-Overtime Win Over East Duplin

North Lenoir Snaps 10-Game Skid with Gritty Double-Overtime Win Over East Duplin

LAGRANGE – After enduring a 10-game losing streak filled with double-digit defeats, the North Lenoir Hawks delivered an electrifying comeback to edge East Duplin 77-69 in double overtime Friday night. Down 28-14 at halftime, the Hawks roared back behind Jaquell Garner, who put the team on his back with 20 second-half points and clutch playmaking.

Second-Half Surge

The Hawks stumbled offensively in the first half, managing just 5 points in the first quarter and 9 in the second. But the tide shifted in the third quarter when they erupted for 24 points, capped by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Cristian Veal to close the period. Veal scored all 14 of his points after halftime, including four three-pointers, providing a spark alongside Garner’s heroic effort.

Anton Black added 13 points, while big man Jack Herring’s critical charge in the second overtime sealed the game for the Hawks after East Duplin trimmed the lead to four with 30 seconds remaining.

Loftin’s Halftime Message

Coach Anthony Loftin’s halftime talk proved pivotal in turning the game around.

“I told them to believe in themselves and what they’re doing,” Loftin said. “We’ve had problems with turnovers lately, but they needed to trust themselves. I thought they did a great job on defense, trapping the ball. This was our third game in three nights, and to go into double overtime and not give up—I'm proud of them.”

Loftin also praised Garner’s clutch performance.

“I gotta give Jaquell credit in the end,” Loftin said. “He stepped up and made some big free throws, big shots, big steals, and played big-time defense.”

Garner Takes Charge

For Garner, the motivation was clear: end the streak.

“I was thinking to myself, ‘We cannot lose to them,’” Garner said. “A 10-game losing streak—we gotta have this one. We were beating ourselves in the first half, so I got the boys together with a good halftime talk, and that’s all we needed.”

What’s Next

The Hawks (1-10) will look to build on the momentum as they travel to James Kenan for their next matchup on January 14. Friday’s thrilling victory could serve as a turning point for a team that refused to back down when it mattered most.