The Union boys basketball team went from joyous to somber in an instant Tuesday night.
The top-ranked and unbeaten Titans narrowly escaped Battle Ground with a 73-72 victory to move to 18-0 with two regular-season games remaining.
But in the midst of their celebration, the Titans learned they’ll likely move forward without their senior all-league point guard.
Union head coach Blake Conley said Wednesday Brad Lackey probably is out for the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Lackey is scheduled for an MRI on Friday, Conley said, but a sports medicine specialist told Conley and the Titans they were “very, very sure,” of an ACL tear.
The injury happened with 2 minutes, 25 seconds left in the game when Battle Ground led 67-65, and Lackey came down awkwardly under the basket.
At that point, the Titans nearly trailed the entire game.
Union (18-0, 6-0) overcame a four-point deficit in the final 10 seconds.
Mason Hill, who had 26 points, hit a 3-pointer to cut Battle Ground’s lead to 72-71. Battle Ground then missed the first end of a one-and-one after the Titans fouled.
After a timeout, the Titans got the ball to Ariya Briscoe for a go-ahead lay-in with two seconds left.
Battle Ground had a good look at the buzzer. Nate Millspaugh’s inbounds pass from the opposite baseline found Kaden Perry at the top of the key. He quickly passed to Brendan Beall for on open 3-point attempt which was off the mark.
Perry finished with 28 points and 21 rebounds. Millspaugh scored 14 points and Beall added 11 for Battle Ground (9-8, 3-2).
“We played them really tough,” said Battle Ground coach Manny Melo, who coached the game wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey. “They’re the No. 1 team in the state for a reason. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve really dialed in during league play. I’m super proud of them.”
Tanner Toolson added 21 points for Union.
Lackey is averaging 14 points per game, second on Union in scoring behind fellow senior Tanner Toolson. While Lackey’s absence will impact Union moving forward, Conley’s said Lackey’s leadership absence is unmatched.
“He’s a kid that’s been a Titan,” Conley said. “An ultimate Titan.”
Union’s win over Battle Ground clinched the No. 1 seed to the bi-district tournament and a share of the 4A Greater St. Helens League title for the Titans.
Union can clinch the title outright with a win Friday at Heritage. The Titans’ regular season ends next Wednesday at Skyview.
