Irving MacArthur rallies past Colleyville Heritage boys 47-46

By Bruce Unrue

Special to the Star-Telegram

COLLEYVILLE -- A week ago, Colleyville Heritage was undefeated with a comfortable lead in District 6-5A. But after Tuesday night's heartbreaking 47-46 loss to Irving MacArthur -- the Panthers' third straight defeat -- Heritage is no longer in the district driver's seat.

MacArthur (16-8, 8-2 District 6-5A) got a pair of clutch free throws from Tavarius Shine with 1.9 seconds left to complete a come-from-behind win for the Cardinals, who took command of the 6-5A lead with just four regular-season games remaining.

Despite the losing streak, Heritage (18-9, 7-3 District 6-5A) still sits in second place.

Down 46-45 after Colten Gober hit a pair of foul shots to give Heritage the lead with 8 seconds remaining, Shine drove through the Heritage defense and was fouled on his way to the basket to set up the final two shots. His game-winning free throws completed a 13-point second half for the Cardinals' post player, who led his team with 17 points.

Shine had led a MacArthur surge in the third quarter when the Cardinals outscored the Panthers 17-8 to erase a 24-19 halftime deficit and take a 36-32 advantage leading into the final frame.

Meanwhile, Heritage seemingly lost its shooting touch after halftime. After opening up a 22-9 lead early in the second quarter by way of 4-of-7 shooting from 3-point ranger, the Panthers allowed MacArthur to close the gap with a 10-2 run to finish the second quarter.

Six quick points from Shine over a 1:30 stretch in the third then tied the score and gave MacArthur a lead it wouldn't give up until the final minute.

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