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COLUMBUS — Ottawa-Glandorf didn’t have their best day at the free-throw line Thursday morning during their Division III state semifinal with Ironton.
However, a free throw by TJ Metzger with 1.1 seconds left in overtime was the deciding margin as O-G slipped by Ironton 61-60 in the first of two Division III state semis at the Value City Arena.

O-G (25-3) advances to the Division III state title game Saturday morning against Versailles. The championship game tips off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

After the Tigers (23-3) Zac Carter tied the game with 35.5 seconds left with two free throws, O-G worked the clock looking to take the final shot in a tied game. With the clock running down, Metzger drove the lane and put up a shot as he was fouled.

After an Ironton timeout, Metzger went to the line and sank the second of his two free throws for a one point lead.

“I made my last two free throws and I went there with some confidence,” Metzger said. “I was trying to use my legs to get the ball up but I don’t think I have legs right now. I just tried to concentrate and make that second one.”

Metzger played all 36 minutes of the game, as did Kaufman, for the second straight game.