Dylan Chambers, Student Correspondent
Darren Kinnard

HARRISBURG — The Massac County Patriots picked up their 20th win of the season and moved into a three-way tie for first place in the River to River-Ohio after a come-from-behind, 67-58 win in overtime at Harrisburg. The Patriots are now tied with Herrin and Murphysboro for the conference lead with Benton just a game back.

The Bulldogs had the lead almost all of regulation. In the first quarter, Harrisburg went on a 8-2 run, ending with an 11-4 lead. The Patriots posted their own in the second, putting up a 10-4 run keyed by Kyler McIntosh. McIntosh had 16 rebounds and 12 points on the night.

The Bulldogs kept the lead at the half 27-22. As the Patriots made another run in the third, it was broken by a Will Gibbs’ three-pointer. Harrisburg kept that five-point cushion, leading 39-34 after three quarters. Gibbs led the Bulldogs with 20 points and six rebounds on the night.

The Patriots made a big rally in the fourth, eventually tying the game at 51-51 and forcing overtime. Massac County seized control in early in overtime as the Bulldogs went cold from the field. The Patriots capitalized on rebounds and steals to cruise to victory.

Zach Travis led Massac County with 16 points, and Julian Russell added 15. Zayne Hayes scored ten for Harrisburg.

The Patriots improve to 20-5 on the season, 5-2 in the conference, while the Bulldogs fall to 7-12 on season, 0-7 in the conference. Harrisburg will face Greenville Saturday at 11:30 at the Rich Herrin Classic in Benton. The Patriots will have a River to River crossover game against Carterville Saturday Night.