FRANKLIN FURNACE — In this case, change was not good for the Green Bobcats.

Portsmouth Clay’s transition game changed the direction of the game as the Panthers rallied in the second half to beat the upset-minded Bobcats 50-44 in a Southern Ohio Conference game.

“We played good ball. Defensively that was as strong as we’ve played all year. We got beat in transition a few times and that was the difference,” Green coach David Hopper said.

Green took an 11-10 lead in the first quarter despite a pair of 3-pointers by Clay’s Matt Stroud.

Each team scored 11 points in the second quarter and it was 22-21 at the break.

Kent Robinson had 6 points in the third quarter as Clay rallied to take a 37-30 lead.

Green’s Matt Clarke scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, but the Panthers were able to hold on for the win.

Clarke led Green (7-12, 5-9) with 13 points while Nathan Patten added 10 points and 6 rebounds.

Randy Ratcliff and Ian Kelley had 7 rebounds each.Green hosts South Webster Tuesday in a makeup game and the two teams meet again next week in the sectional tournament.

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PORTSMOUTH CLAY (NA): Kent Robinson 3 0 2-4 8, Ryan Cucore 4 0 0-1 8, Matt Stroud 0 3 3-4 12, Derrek Webb 1 0 3-4 5, Justin Craft 2 0 0-3 4, Darren Martin 5 0 1-2 11, Caseman 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 16

3

9-18

50. Fouls: 13. Fouled out: None.

GREEN (7-12, 5-9): Chris Willard 1 1 0-0 5, Nathan Patten 1 2 2-2 10, Randy Ratcliff 2 0 2-2 6, Ian Kelley 4 0 0-0 8, Corey Dyer 1 0 0-0 2, Matt Clarke 4 1 2-4 13, Brock Russell 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 11-26

4

6-8

44. 3-point goals: 4-15. Fouls: 18. Fouled out: Clarke. Rebounds: 3-18=21 (Patten 6, Ratcliff 7, Kelley 7). Assists: 13 (Clarke 4, Patten 2, Williard 2, Ratcliff 2, Kelley 2). Steals: 7 (Clarke 3, Willard 2). Turnovers: 17.