Robbinsville – The stage was set for an epic Smoky Mountain Conference showdown: two programs with a storied rivalry, both contending for top billing in the standings.
A raucous atmosphere nicely complemented the atmosphere of Jan. 22's nailbiter between Murphy and Robbinsville, which started with the Bulldogs leading 19-15 before the Black Knights carried a 29-24 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The game entered the final stanza in a 43-43 stalemate, but it was Robbinsville (12-3, 5-1) that came away with the last laugh: handing Murphy (12-3, 5-1) its first league defeat after clinching a 60-57 win.
Dane Knott led the Black Knights with 21 points in the victory. Others to score were Luke Lovin and Kyzik Teesateskie, 14 each; Kristian Bauzo and Nathan Frederick, 4 apiece; and Xamuel Wachacha 3.
Cale Harger scored 19 to lead the Bulldogs in the loss.
Season sweep
Robbinsville coughed up an 8-2 lead in the first quarter Tuesday against Andrews, with the Wildcats pulling ahead 11-10 by the end of the segment.
The Knights fought back to send the game into the break tied 23-23, before surging past the visitors for good in the third and picking up a 53-34 win.
The victory gave Robbinsville possession of first place in the conference.
Knott stayed hot, posting 22 points.
Frederick had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Bauzo hit seven.
Rounding out the Knights' scoreline was Lovin 5; Wachacha 3; and Teesateskie 2.
Levi Clark led Andrews (10-8, 4-4) with 10 points.
Junior varsity
Robbinsville (10-1) knocked off Murphy 54-36 in Jan. 22's junior-varsity clash.
Eli Lambert drained 18 to lead the Black Knights. Also scoring for Robbinsville was Elijah Kirkland and Bam Nelms, 9 each; Cameron Allison and Landon Eddings, 8 apiece; and Easton Shuler 2.
The Knights rolled along Tuesday by clawing past the Wildcats 51-33.
Lambert finished the game with 19 points, seven assists, six steals and two rebounds. Others to score were Eddings 12; Kirkland 8; Allison 5; Khayton Swimmer 3; and both Nelms and Shuler, 2 each.
Due to the threat of inclement weather, Friday, Saturday and Monday's respective road games at Nantahala, Swain County and Hiwassee Dam were postponed.
Action begins at 5 p.m., today at Hiwassee Dam, while the Nantahala game will be made up at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7.
The Black Knights now tip-off in Bryson City at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31.