Ridley’s Malachi Williams, with the ball, in action against Upper Darby last season, hit a 3-pointer in overtime to give the Green Raiders a 64-62 decision over the Royals Tuesday night. (Pete Bannan/MediaNews Group)
By Matt DeGeorge
Down three points with 14.4 seconds left in regulation Tuesday night, there was no doubt as to whose hands Ridley would find with the ball on the inbounds pass.
Trailing by one with 13.1 seconds left in overtime — then again after an offensive rebound with 3.2 seconds left — the intended destination for Upper Darby was far less certain.
That difference, in the hot hand Ridley could rely on and the absence of one for Upper Darby, spelled the difference.
Malachi Williams, who tied the game late in regulation with a left-handed runner off glass, won it in overtime by banking home a 3-pointer as Ridley topped the Royals, 64-62, in a wild Central League opener for both teams.
There was no question that Williams would find the ball when Ridley inbounded it late in regulation, trailing 54-52. He came off a screen behind the arc and made a bee line for the hoop, getting his lay-in to go behind the outstretched arms of two help defenders.
Webmaster’s note: Our December 19th Game-of-the-Week will feature Upper Darby vs Garnet Valley.