BENTON — The Benton Rangers opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run to break open a close game and went on to beat Harrisburg 56-42 in an SIRR–Ohio contest Tuesday night at Rich Herrin Gymnasium.

The Bulldogs used a 10-0 run late in the second quarter to take a 20-17 lead, but Eli Hanson drained a half-court shot at the buzzer to pull the Rangers even at the half.

After scoring the first 11 points of the second half, the Rangers never allowed Harrisburg to get closer than eight the rest of the way.

Reid Baumgarte and Luke Melvin led the Benton with 13 points apiece. Freshman Docker Tedeschi added 11. Cameron Ande led Harrisburg with 13 points. Chris Allen chipped in 10.

With the win, the Rangers improve to 10-4 (2-0) on the season. Benton was scheduled to visit Massac County Friday night, but instead will pick up a forfeit win, as the Patriots are dealing with illness.

The Bulldogs fall to 4-8 (0-2). They will host Murphysboro Friday night in a varsity only game that will start at 6:30.