PINE BLUFF – El Dorado kept its postseason hopes alive Friday with a hard-fought 57-50 overtime win at White Hall. The Wildcats improved to 9-15 overall and 6-7 in league play.
Jarmel Love scored 28 points, including six in a row in overtime.
“Any conference win is a good win,” said Coach Jimmy Porter. “We have Sheridan at home on Monday for a chance to be 7-7. Have to win that game to have a chance to still get into the state tournament.”
White Hall led 12-8 after hitting a 3-pointer that beat the first quarter buzzer. The Bulldogs led 22-21 at the half. The Wildcats got going in the third and built a 30-22 lead at the midway point before White Hall tied the game 35-35 going into the fourth.
El Dorado led 46-44 before the Bulldogs tied the game on a driving layup to send it into overtime.
The game was knotted at 48-48 in the OT before Love scored in the post. The junior hit two free throws and then scored on a drive for a 54-48 advantage.
“Really proud of his effort tonight,” said Porter. “He did a much better job finishing around the rim. We have known that he was capable. It was just about him having the confidence to go finish through contact.”
Isaiah Ramey added 15 points for the Wildcats.
El Dorado could’ve won in regulation but missed 10 free throws in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter.