SESSER — The Sesser-Valier Red Devils held Christopher without a basket for more than a quarter and a half and just nine points in the second half on the way to a 37-31 win in the championship game of the 40th Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament.

The previously unbeaten Bearcats led 22-17 at the half, but could only manage three made free throws in the third quarter. The Red Devils outscored Christopher 11-3 to take a 28-25 lead heading to the fourth.

Neither team scored in the first 4:00 of the final frame. The Bearcats finally broke their scoring drought when Peyton Mazur scored inside and was fouled.

The Red Devils only field goal in the fourth came courtesy Colt Packer, who led S-V with 14 points on the night. S-V was clutch at the free throw line though, making 7-8 in the fourth quarter and finish 8-10 for the game. On the flip side, the Bearcats were 0-5 from the line in the fourth and finished 9-18 for the game.

Mazur led all scorers with 15 on the night. Gavin Woodland added 13 for the Red Devils.

Here are all the finals from trophy day at the S-V Holiday Tournament:
Sparta 79, Thompsonville 45 (Consolation Championship)
Goreville 50, Marissa/Coulterville 43 (5th Place)
Altamont 45, Cobden 38 (3rd Place)
Sesser-Valier 37, Christopher 31 (Championship)