(FLORENCE, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian (8-3) overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to defeat Florence (8-3) 60-54 in regional play on Thursday evening. Senior Keon Talgo, senior Lopemi Omole and junior Jace Olson led the Knights with 16, 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Omole extended his streak of double-doubles in the affair, grabbing a team-high 10 boards.

The Knights are 3-0 in the 3A South Central region.

"We had a slow start and just were not hitting shots in the first half," Head Coach Jason Pasquariello said. "We made some adjustments at halftime and defensively locked in. Logan and Kamari combined for nine steals and Lopemi had five blocks. Their defensive effort really spearheaded the third quarter comeback. We have to hand it to Florence and Coach Silvas, they had a really good game plan and made it difficult for us all night."

Gilbert Christian trailed 27-20 after the second quarter, but roared back with a 21-point third to take a 41-34 lead into the final period.

The two teams battled in the fourth, finishing the quarter even at 19-19, but it was not enough for Florence, who suffered its first regional loss.

Junior Owen Fermoyle recorded eight points in 12 minutes of action, while sophomore Kamari Stanbury finished the day with 6 points, 6 steals, 5 rebounds and two assists. 

Leading the squad in assists, once again, was junior Logan Lucero, who managed seven dimes on the day. Lucero also scored four points, grabbed five off of the glass and stole the ball four times for GCHS. 

The Knights have seven regular season contests left on the docket. Next up is a road trip to Benjamin Franklin, scheduled for January 23rd at 7:00pm.

-GO KNIGHTS-