ALBANY, GA -- Almost a year ago to the day, the Albany Indians fought off the Cook Hornets for a 50-49 AA-Region 1 win. Conveniently on Friday, the two boy’s basketball teams were matching wits again.

And almost like clockwork- the Indians and Hornets played down to the wire. This year the game was settled in extra time.

Albany’s Larry Sanford nailed a three point shot in the final seconds of regulation to tie the game at 29. The Indians didn’t make a field goal in overtime, but seven free throws were enough to hold off the Hornets. Albany moves to 2-0 in the region with a 36-34 win at the Albany Civic Center.

The game certainly wasn’t a thing of beauty.

Cook led late in the third quarter 18-13, and carried a four point advantage in to the final period of regulation. Albany guard Tim Pierce sparked the comeback when he hit a three pointer to tie the game at 23. The Indians later led 26-23, but Cook’s Shue Mills grabbed the lead right back in the final minute at 27-26.     

There may be even more drama and excitement coming Saturday at the Civic Center. City-rivals Monroe and Albany meet for the first time this season.

Monroe held on to defeat Dougherty by two points in the final Civic Center game on Friday 32-30. The Tornadoes are 4-0 in AAA, region one. Albany and Monroe tip off Saturday at 8:30 PM.