The 2025 UK HealthCare Boys’ Sweet 16® opened with a nail-biter on, as the Bowling Green Purples edged the Adair County Indians 52-51 in an overtime classic. In a game marked by dramatic swings, clutch free throws, and a decisive final play, Bowling Green emerged victorious to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
The contest remained tight throughout, with six ties and ten lead changes over 36 minutes. Adair County jumped out to a 13-13 tie after the first quarter, but Bowling Green pulled ahead in the third, building a 10-point lead (38-28) by the 6:35 mark of the fourth. Adair County mounted a furious comeback, sparked by Grant’s three-pointer at 2:36, cutting the deficit to 49-48. With 32 seconds left in regulation, Loy sank two free throws to give Adair a 51-50 edge, their first lead since the second quarter.
As the clock ticked down, Bowling Green’s Bailey delivered the game-winner, driving for a layup with 9 seconds remaining in overtime to secure a 52-51 lead. Adair County’s final chance evaporated when Gilbert’s three-point attempt rimmed out, and despite Loy grabbing the offensive rebound, time expired before the Indians could get another shot off.
Banks led Bowling Green with 16 points, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, while Carpenter added 13 points and J. Wardlow chipped in 7 off the bench. The Purples’ efficiency at the stripe (7-for-8, 88%) and a slight edge in field-goal percentage (46% to Adair’s 42%) proved critical. Bailey’s clutch layup capped an 8-point night, underscoring his poise in the game’s final moments.
Adair County leaned on a balanced attack, with Cochran and Loy each scoring 14 points, and Coomer adding 13. Loy was a force on both ends, pulling down 9 rebounds and dishing out 8 assists, while Cochran’s 7-for-14 shooting kept the Indians in contention. However, Adair’s drought from the field in the final 2:36 of regulation and overtime, coupled with a 2-for-12 performance from beyond the arc (17%), hampered their upset bid.
Both teams dominated inside, each scoring 36 points in the paint. Adair County controlled the glass, outrebounding Bowling Green 33-25, including 14 offensive boards that led to 15 second-chance points. Bowling Green countered with 4 blocks and 6 steals, turning Adair’s 10 turnovers into 10 points. The Purples also held the lead for 23:04 of game time, compared to Adair’s 9:22, a testament to their resilience despite the Indians’ late surge.
The game’s intensity carried into overtime, where Adair County shot 50% from the field (1-for-2) and went 2-for-2 from the line, while Bowling Green answered with 2-for-4 shooting and 2-for-2 free throws. The teams traded blows until Bailey’s heroics sealed the deal.
The loss ends an outstanding season for Adair County, while Bowling Green moves on with a hard-fought victory. For the Purples, this win showcases their ability to execute under pressure, a trait that could propel them further in the tournament.
