RALEIGH, N.C. — Washington (N.C.) escaped with a 78-74 victory over
Reidsville (N.C.) on Friday at the John Wall Holiday Invitational to snap the nation's longest winning streak at 63 games.
The Pam Pack led from wire-to-wire in the contest, although the Rams cut the deficit to 72-71 with 1:12 remaining in the contest before Washington converted 1 of 2 free throws before a transition layup made things 75-71.
Washington jumped out to a 17-10 lead after the first period, stretched its margin to 36-20 at the half and maintained a 60-52 at the end of the third quarter.
Senior guard Chaise Smith chipped in 14 points, six assists and five rebounds in the victory. (FILE PHOTO: Jerrell Jordan)
Reigning North Carolina MaxPreps Player of the Year
Dionte Neal, a UNC-Greensboro signee, finished with 42 points in the game despite the loss. A late charge call that went against the 5-foot-9 guard cost Reidsville the game however, as an and-one basket was waved off by the official.
After going behind 77-71 after free throws on the other end, Neal knocked down his final 3-pointer of the night to cut the deficit to three. Neal shot 11 of 23 from the field, 7 of 11 from 3-point range and 13 of 15 from the free throw line in the loss.
Neal had 36 of his game-high 42 points in the second half of the comeback effort.
Senior guard
Shimere Garris led the way with 33 points, eight rebounds and three assists in the loss. He shot 7 of 17 from the field and 18 of 28 from the free throw line.
The two-time defending Class 2A state champions combined to go 86-1 over the past three seasons with three consecutive appearances in the state championship game.
Reidsville fell 28 games short of tying the all-time state record set by
East Carteret (Beaufort) from 1960-1962 when they reeled off 91 consecutive victories.
Washington moves to 8-1 on the season after the win as the Pam Pam advance to Saturday's John Wall Holiday Invitational Rudy Watson bracket championship game against
Christ School (Arden, N.C.).
