48 Special: Rebels avenge defeat to USJ in overtime with Byrd scoring career-high
By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The career-high 48 points by Tipton-Rosemark Academy Rebel guard Tyler Byrd came just in time.
The University School of Jackson Bruins came to town Friday night looking to sweep the regular season series after a 3-point win in Jackson. The Rebels made it clear early they had revenge on the brain jumping out to a 15-3 advantage — all 15 points scored by Byrd.
The Bruins composed themselves and slowly erased the TRA double-digit lead. Eventually regulation ended with the score deadlock at 52-52 and Byrd with 46 points.
Byrd’s two free throws with 1.7 seconds left in overtime hit nothing but net, the senior committed to Morehouse College had a new personal scoring mark and TRA had a 56-54 victory.
Byrd was on a record pace after two quarters with 30 points. Rebel Alexander Neon-Blue hit the other field goal giving TRA a 32-24 halftime lead.
Byrd was joined in the scoring act by Thano Sinis in the third quarter to maintain the advantage at 47-40 entering the fourth quarter.
The last period of regulation USJ outscored TRA 12-5 to force overtime. At one point the Bruins were ahead 52-49 late in the fourth quarter. Byrd tied the game with a three-point play with 20.3 seconds left in regulation.
Once again tied at 54-54 late in overtime, the Rebels drained the clock giving Byrd the ball in the final seconds. He drew a foul and calmly nailed the free throws for the victory.
