The Luxemburg-Casco Spartans came up two points short in pulling off a great come-from-behind upset of #1 seeded Xavier on Thursday night in a WIAA Division 2 Sectional semi-final.  The 69-67 setback will not diminish an incredible post-season run by the #4 seeded Spartans who trailed by as many as ten points in the second half.

The game started raggedly for both teams before the Spartans opened up a 15-7 lead on a Logan Doell three-pointer with over 12 minutes left in the half.  The Hawks responded by going on an 8-0 run in under two minutes to tie up the game.  Xavier controlled the final ten minutes of the half and held a seven-point lead in the final seconds before L-C Senior Ryan Robillard hit a big three-pointer at the buzzer to pull the Spartans within four at the half, 40-34.

The second half saw Xavier build the lead to 57-47 with eight minutes to play, when a missed layup by the Hawks opened the door for a Spartan comeback.

 

Lucas Cannon's bucket with three minutes to go evened the score at 57-57 but the Spartans could never take the lead down the stretch. 

 

Xavier guard Charlie Pfefferle hit six of seven free throws late to seal the game.  The Spartans had one opportunity down three with 6.9 seconds left, but Pfefferle stole the inbound pass and was fouled.  A three-pointer by Doell at the buzzer was not enough as the Spartans gallant effort came up two points short. 

 

Doell led the Spartans (14-10) with 18 points while senior Blake Yagodinski added 14 points and Peyton Mrotek chipped in 13.  Senior Ryan Robillard finished his stellar career at L-C with ten points before fouling out in the final seconds.

 

Xavier (22-4) will now host Seymour Saturday night in the sectional final after the Thunder defeated Ashwaubenon 66-63 Thursday night.