WINDSOR – Bertie High School sealed the deal when it was time.

The Falcons hit three free throws in the closing 44 seconds of regulation to eliminate any chances of a comeback from visiting J.H. Rose. Bertie won 49-45 in the non-conference affair.

Orlando Dobbin hit a bucket late in the contest to lift Bertie to a four-point advantage, but Dante McCarter answered with a three that got the Rampants within one (46-45). Dobbin and Brandon Brown then hit free throws down the stretch to seal the victory for Bertie.

The contest had started tilted in favor of the Falcons as Desmond Williams and Kent Bazemore hit the game’s opening two shots to give the Falcons a 4-1 lead. Bazemore then score three of the final four buckets of the quarter to give Bertie a 10-7 advantage after one period of play.

Rose responded with the first eight points of the second quarter on two hoops from Tony Smith and one each from Terrey Edwards and McCarter as they led 15-10.

Bertie responded in the closing minutes of the half when Bazemore scored four baskets and added a free throw to help Bertie claim a 24-22 lead at the intermission.

The senior continued his tear in the third period, scoring the first five points of the period and nine of the first 11 interrupted only by a Williams hoop as the Falcons surged ahead 35-22.

Rose cut into the lead, getting it down to eight (38-30) by the end of the quarter.

The Rampants then scored eight of the first nine points of the fourth period to get within two (41-39).

Dobbin and Smith exchanged hoops and free throws before the former hit the bucket that put Bertie up by four.

Bazemore led all scorers with 25 points on the night. He was the only Falcon in double figures.

Smith led Rose with 14, he was also the only member of his team in double digits.

Bertie (49): Kent Bazemore n 25, Des. Williams n 9, O. Dobbin n 7, B. Brown n 4, Deq. Williams n 2, W. Credle n 1, E. Brown n 1

Rose (45): Tony Smith n 14, D. McCarter n 9, T. Edwards n 9, M. McLawhorn n 7, M. Steele n 4, D. Hayward – 2