CAHOKIA — The Cahokia Comanches rallied from a 12-point second half deficit to hand the Mt. Vernon Rams a 71-69 loss, their first in South Seven play, preventing them from clinching the conference championship.

Navontae Nesbit Junior and Rolen Adams each scored 21 for the Rams, who led 32-26 at the half and immediately extended that lead to 40-28 in the third quarter.

Cahokia cut it to 53-46 heading to the fourth, then used an 11-1 run in the fourth to take 66-63 lead.

Tied at 69, Omarion Gooden took a rebound coast to coast for the go ahead basket with 12 seconds to play. Gooden finished with a game high 25 points.

The Rams had a chance to tie in the final seconds, but Cahokia stole the inbounds pass to run out the clock and secure the win.

Mt. Vernon falls to 18-8 (7-1). The Rams return home Friday to host Marion. Cahokia meanwhile improves to 7-18 (2-6).