(12) Panther Creek returns to elite eight with win at (4) Millbrook
One of the hottest teams in the state since the turn of the new year lives to see another road game.
Panther Creek, who took on the role of eastern champion underdog two years ago, continued to pave a similar path with dominant 84-73 win at Millbrook in the third round.
The Catamounts jumped out to a double digit lead, fell behind by four in the fourth, then leaned on Chris Uwayo to fight back and seal the victory.
Uwayo broke a 69-69 tie with his second triple of the fourth quarter, and from there Panther Creek never trailed again. The Catamounts connected on 12 of their 19 three-point shots in the victory.
Four of those three's set the tone in the opening quarter and helped Panther Creek build a lead that it would hold through three quarters.
Uwayo poured in 10 of his 18 first half points in the second quarter to send the 12-seed into the halftime break with a 40-35 lead in hand.
Kyrie Heredia hit a desperation three at the horn to help Millbrook go on a late third quarter run to trim its deficit to 59-57. 8 of Colt Langdon's team-leading 22 points came in the frame.
Seven different Catamounts scored in the second half including Zyvion Puckett who powered his way the rim for a pair of baskets to hold off a Wildcat rally. Puckett connected on three triples in the game.
As a team, Panther Creek hit 11 of 13 second half free throws. They will make the trip to Wilmington on Friday for a rematch with top-seeded New Hanover.
The Catamounts fell to the Wildcats 56-44 at the Hoggard Holiday Classic in December. Since then, they are 18-1 overall.
As part of its state runner-up journey in 2022, and its fourth round trip in 2014, Panther Creek has gone on the road to New Hanover in the playoffs and won.
