A pair of free throws by Ben Hammer were the difference as the Patriot coaches prevailed 86-84 in the first annual Pinecrest Coaches vs. Senior Student Athletes basketball Classic held at James Moore Gym Tuesday evening.

Led by varsity basketball standouts Phillip Wallace, Faronte Drakeford and Damion Pride, the seniors overcame a 20-point third quarter deficit to briefly take the lead in the final two minutes of the game.

Patriot football player Chris Lacey canned a jumper from the side with about 30 seconds remaining to draw things even for the final time.

Hammer, an assistant football coach, was then fouled in the act and calmly sank both free throws. The seniors’ last chance to tie or take the lead was squelched when assistant basketball coach Larry Shields stole the ball near mid-court.

The fundraiser for the Patriot football program also included dunking and three-point contests. Sophomore Javen McNeill won the dunk contest and Hammer was the three-point shot winner.