CARBONDALE — Through three quarters and one possession Friday night, it did not look good for the Marion Wildcats.

After Carbondale’s Decarl Payne buried a 3-pointer to open the fourth quarter, the Terriers had a 43-25 lead. The Wildcats outscored Carbondale 21-3 to force overtime, then won 53-51 to remain unbeaten in South Seven play.

Marion senior Evan Noelle scored 18 of his game high 28 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to lead the Wildcat rally. Noelle hit three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, including one with less than a minute to play to tie the game at 46. Noelle then scored five of Marion’s seven points in OT, including the game winning jumper with 40 seconds to play.

Payne led the Terriers with 17. He nearly won the game at the buzzer in overtime, but his highly contested 3-point attempt was just short. Jaden Patterson added 11 points and nine rebounds for Carbondale.

The Wildcats improve to 4-4 (2-0). They will step out of conference play to visit Massac County Saturday. The Terriers fall to 4-3 (1-1). They will also be on the road for a non-conference game Saturday at Herrin.