CENTRALIA — Belleville West advanced to the fifth-place game of the 83rd annual Centralia Holiday Tournament with a 71–65 overtime victory over MHEA on Wednesday.
The Maroons and MHEA were locked in a tight contest from the opening tip. The teams were tied 14–14 after the first quarter before Belleville West edged ahead 31–28 at halftime.
The back-and-forth battle continued in the third quarter, with neither team able to gain separation as the game remained tied 43-43 heading into the fourth. Regulation ended with the teams still deadlocked 65-65, forcing overtime.
Belleville West took control in the extra quarter, outscoring MHEA 12–6 to secure the win.
TJ Cason led the Maroons with a game-high 32 points, while Micah May added 12 points. MHEA was paced by Sean Adubato with 21 points and MJ Butler with 15.
Belleville West will face Chicago King in the fifth-place game at 4:30 p.m. King advanced with a win over Chicago Harding.
