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Jacksonville Today
By the People, for the People
Ashville Survives Double OT to Reach Northeast Regional Final
Bulldogs defeat Alexandria for third time this season, advance to regional championship game
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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In a thrilling double-overtime game, the third-ranked Ashville Bulldogs defeated the Alexandria Lions 67-64 to reach the Northeast Regional final. Nate Huckbay's driving layup and free throw with 0.6 seconds left sealed the victory for Ashville, which overcame the loss of center Parker Smith to foul trouble in the fourth quarter. Alexandria, which had come closer to defeating Ashville in each of their three meetings this season, finished the year with a 21-8 record.
Why it matters
The win extends Ashville's season and keeps their hopes of a deep playoff run alive, while Alexandria's season comes to a heartbreaking end after a hard-fought battle. The game showcased the intense rivalry between the two teams and the high level of competition in the Northeast Regional tournament.
The details
Ashville jumped out to an early lead, but Alexandria battled back to force overtime. The game went to a second overtime period, where Nate Huckbay's heroics in the final seconds lifted the Bulldogs to victory. Ashville was able to overcome the loss of center Parker Smith, who fouled out in the fourth quarter, to secure the win.
- The game was played on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
- Ashville's game-winning basket came with 0.6 seconds left in the second overtime period.
The players
Nate Huckbay
The Ashville player who hit the game-winning shot in the final seconds of double overtime.
Parker Smith
The Ashville center who fouled out in the fourth quarter, forcing his team to overcome his absence in the overtime periods.
Cole Wheeler
The Alexandria junior who was visibly emotional after the tough loss, with a bloody nose from the physical game.
What they’re saying
“Joy for Ashville came in a deafening crowd eruption after Nate Huckbay went coast to coast for his game-winning basket with six-tenths of a second left in double overtime Wednesday.”
— Joe Medley, East Alabama Sports Today Reporter (East Alabama Sports Today)
“Pain came in Alexandria junior Cole Wheeler's barely contained tears and blood-stained nose-bleed stops in both nostrils.”
— Joe Medley, East Alabama Sports Today Reporter (East Alabama Sports Today)
What’s next
Ashville will play the winner of the Madison Academy-Plainview game in the Northeast Regional final on Monday, February 24th at 5:45 PM.
The takeaway
This thrilling double-overtime battle showcased the intense rivalry between Ashville and Alexandria, as well as the high level of competition in the Northeast Regional tournament. Ashville's ability to overcome adversity and make a game-winning play in the final seconds demonstrated their resilience and championship pedigree.
