FACS boys basketball cruises past Clarksville Academy in Division II-A state semifinals

COOKEVILLE — FACS boys basketball never left any doubt as it  won easily against Clarksville Academy 57-32 in the Division II-A state semifinals Friday at Tennessee Tech. 

After a close opening quarter, the Crusaders (29-2) outscored Clarksville Academy 13-1 in the second quarter.

Clarksville Academy (23-13)  went a quarter and a half without making a basket after scoring one with 2:34 remaining in the first quarter and not scoring another until 6:24 remaining in the third quarter. 

"Every game I tell them to keep whoever we're playing under 10 points each quarter," FACS senior Daniel Egbuniwe said. "That's what happened today."

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The Crusaders used a heavy dose of 3-pointers in the rout connecting on 10 of their 23 attempts. Five different players logged two apiece, and Timothy Thomas was the team's leading scorer, recording 17 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. 

Clarksville Academy was 0-for-10 from beyond the arc and were led in scoring by Eddie Ricks III with 10 points and six rebounds. The team shot 33.3% from the field.

FACS advances to face reigning state champion Goodpasture in the championship game Saturday at 6:30 p.m., where the Crusaders will look to avenge their loss to the Cougars in the 2021 state semifinals. 

This will be FACS' second state championship game. The Crusaders lost in the 2020 final.

"All of this doesn't matter if we don't win tomorrow," FACS coach D'Marius Wilkes said. "We'll get ready for those guys tonight, get some rest and maybe have a little film session tonight. They're a well-coached team and we'll be ready."

Reach Joe Spears at jspears2@gannett.com or 731-343-4923. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @joe_spears7.