Chase Claypool wouldn't let the Panthers go out like that.
Claypool fueled a second half turnaround for Abbotsford Senior, that saw outscore the Bateman Timberwolves 42-28, and earn the right to play New York's Mount Vernon Knights in round two of the Snowball Classic basketball tournament.
The Abbotsford Panthers rode a strong third quarter to pick up the 78-70 win today (Wednesday), and Claypool scored 49 points in the game, including 15 in the fourth quarter, to seal the win. Manny Jhally also helped the Panthers cause with 15 points.
The Timberwolves came out strong in the first half, and built up a 42-36 lead, but the Panthers managed to storm back. Nate Friesen led Bateman in a losing cause with 20 points.
With the win, the Panthers now battle the Knights tomorrow (Thursday) at 8:15 p.m. Bateman's next game occurs on Friday at 9:45 a.m. Local teams Yale, Mouat and MEI all also play tomorrow.
For more details on the tournament, visit snowballbasketball.com