More times than not, Bode Anspach plays the hero role for the Fruitport boys basketball team.
But the senior standout got into foul trouble on Tuesday night and was limited to eight points.
His younger brother, sophomore Grade Anspach, was there to fill in when it counted, however, going six-for-six from the free throw line in overtime to help give the Trojans an exciting 61-53 victory over Allendale in an O-K Green conference matchup.
Grade Anspach finished with 12 points and four rebounds for Fruitport, which has now won four straight games and five of its last six. The Trojans are 10-5 overall and 6-3 in the conference standings.
The game was tight throughout regulation, with one-win Allendale giving the Trojans all they could handle.
[1]Fruitport led 16-15 after one quarter, Allendale pulled ahead 28-23 at halftime, the Trojans regained a 34-32 edge after three quarters, then the score was knotted 47-47 at the end of the fourth.
Allendale nailed a three-pointer before the buzzer to force the extra session.
Fruitport took control in OT, outscoring the Falcons 14-6. Free throws were key for the Trojans in the fourth quarter and overtime, when they converted 18 of 20 shots to stay in the game and eventually win.
“This was an exciting game all the way to the finish,” said Fruitport Coach Steve Erny. “Credit goes to Allendale, who played well enough to win. I’m really proud of how our guys came out in overtime and started strong, especially after giving up the late three-pointer to send it into OT. That shows the collective character of our group.”
Freshman DayDay Williams also scored 12 points for the Trojans while adding three rebounds, two steals and two assists.
Paschal Jolman added 10 points, Andrew Spyke had eight points and seven rebounds and was six-for-six from the free throw line, and Collin Jolman totaled six points and eight rebounds.
Fruitport will host Coopersville in another conference battle on Friday night.
