The Salem Wildcats cut a 23 point third quarter deficit down to single digits, but Newton advanced to the finals of the Robinson 2a regional with a 67-58 win. Kaeden Bevolo had 19, Ryegan Warren 13 and Logan Butts 11. Hayden Mulvey had 22 for Newton. The Eagles will face off against TTown in the title game after their 50-43 win over Mt Carmel in the night’s first game. Salem’s season ends at 12-19.
At Columbia, the host Eagles hit a buzzer beater to send their semifinal game with Mater Dei to overtime, but the Knights held them off 68-65 to advance to Friday’s finals. Eddie Smajic was fouled with one second left in regulation and down by three. After making the first, he missed the second one intentionally. The rebound was tipped out to Elliot Nelson who caught the ball and made a jumper to send the game to extra time. Gavin Peppenhorst had 37 for Mater Dei. Roman Zambrencia added 11. Smajic had 32 for Columbia and Brody Landgraf added 17.
They advance to take on rival Breese Central after they overcame a 20-8 halftime deficit to Althoff and came back to win 38-33. Wyatt Schrage led Central with 10 off the bench. Steven Brown had 10 for the Crusaders.
At Vandalia, it appeared the host Vandals heave at the buzzer was late, however they counted it and they 7th seed pulled out the upset of #2 St Anthony 50-48. Vandalia will play Friday for the regional title against Fairfield who eliminated Olney 40-37.
Also in 2a at Benton, the host Rangers eliminated Vienna 59-34 and will play Murphysboro after their 46-39 win over Hamilton County.
Staunton won their semifinal at Carlinville beating Piasa 48-35 and will play the hosts after their 45-36 win over Father McGivney.
At Massac County, Carterville beat West Frankfort 67-41 and Massac County eliminated Anna Jonesboro 67-49.
DuQuoin held a 12 point lead in the second half against Nashville, but the Hornets fought their way back to win 48-46. Maddox Ritzel led the way with 23. They will take on the hosts at Pinckneyville for the regional title after they eliminated Wesclin 63-46.
At Roxana, the host Shelss beat Metro East Lutheran 54-48 and Marquette beat Litchfield 66-42.
