NORMAN — Putnam City struggled in the third quarter, losing a first half lead in a 51-46 loss to Norman in the Class 6A West Regional 3 title game at Norman.

“Tough loss, but we competed,” Putnam City coach Brandon Jackson said via text. “I like how we battled on the glass and guarded the entire game.”

The Pirates (19-6) led 24-19 at halftime, but were outscored 20-10 in the third quarter. Norman’s rally was capped off by a 4-point play from Beau Billingsley. The junior stole the ball from PC senior Kelton Locke and hit a 3-pointer as time expired in the third quarter. Billingsley was fouled on the shot by Original senior JaColby Williams. Billingsley hit the free throw to extend the Tigers’ lead to 39-34.

Williams led the Pirates with 19 points, tied for the game high with Billingsley. Williams hit five 3-pointers and also had four rebounds.

“JaColby was big for us today, hitting some big time shots,” Jackson said.

Locke added 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Locke scored eight of his points in the third quarter.

“Kelton was huge for us in both ends of the floor,” Jackson said.

Senior Johnn Sheffey followed with three points. Sophomore Miles Jackson also scored three points. Jackson had two blocks.

Putnam City was outrebounded, 28-16 (10-3 in offensive rebounds), the loss.

“Norman is a very good team and have one of the best coaching staffs around,” Jackson said. “To beat those guys you have to play close to perfect. We made one too many mistakes today. But if we compete like this the rest of the way I like our chances vs anyone we face.”

UP NEXT

Putnam City meets Choctaw in the Class 6A West Area 2 Championship at Carl Albert

	1	2	3	4	F
Putnam City (19-6)	11	13	10	12	46
Norman (21-5)	8	11	20	12	51