After going just 2-2 at the King of the Bluegrass, the UHA Blazers will have the chance to play for the championship of the 2018 Traditional Bank Holiday Classic. The Blazers advanced to the title game with a 66-63 win over Landstown, Virgina late Saturday night at Lexington Catholic. A key late basket from Taquan Hollowell and a big late defensive play helped to seal the win.
The two teams battled back and forth through the first quarter. It appeared Landstown had the game going their way, but the Blazers finished the quarter strong to trail only 13-12 after the opening eight minutes.
UHA then hit Landstown with a run to open the 2nd quarter and got to the lead. With KyKy Tandy heating up, the Blazers grabbed the lead and then extended it to 33-24 at the half. After struggling in the opener of this tournament, Tandy continued his play from the win over Cooper in the second game, scoring 18 points in the first half of the contest.
Coming out of the locker room, the Blazers had to withstand an early second half run from Landstown. They did so, and held a 52-46 lead going into the final quarter.
The Eagles, however, were not set to go quietly into the night. Landstown battled back and got to the lead in the final minute of the contest. But, the Blazers responded and advanced on to the title contest.
UHA will face Newport in the tournament championship Sunday evening. Newport advanced to the title game with a 54-51 win over host Lexington Catholic.
A huge night for KyKy Tandy, who scored 34 points. Taquan Hollowell added 14, while Drew McGowan chipped in with nine.
The Blazers improved to 12-2 with the win.