Bloomfield, Missouri -The Dexter Bearcats started off flat, but rose to the occasion defeating the Portageville Bulldogs 65-59 to secure a spot in the Bloomfield Christmas semifinals against the Kennett Indians!

Portageville held Jason Jarrell and Clay Mullins to just two points each in the first quarter.

Clay Mullins led the Bearcats with 16 points before fouling out late in the game. 

Gabe Jackson contributed 12 points prior to fouling out as well.

Ben Sindle recorded three treys all in the third quarter finishing with 12 points.

Jason Jarrell added 10 points.

Luke Darst recorded a team-high 15 points for the Bulldogs. Ian Torry came in with 14 points and Bub Lance finished with 12 points.  Darst and Lance each had four 3-pointers.  Darst and Lance both fouled out during the game.

Final Score Dexter 65, Portageville 59

Dexter              4   19  24  18   -  65

Portageville   16     7   12   24  - 59

Dexter (65) - Jason Jarrell 10, Alan Pippins 5, Ben Sindle 12, Clay Mullins 16, Dawson Kasting 5, Ryan Mayo 5, Gabe Jackson 12.  FG 23, FT 16/25 F 15 (3-pointers: Ben Sindle 3, Fouled Out: Clay Mullins, Gabe Jackson).

Portageville (59) - Hunter Gates 5, Luke Darst 15, Ian Torrey 14, Tony Smith 2, Chris Garmon 2, Daniel Carter 4, Bub Lance 12, Alex Riddle 5. FG 21, FT 5/9, F 17. (3-pointers: Darst 4, Torrey 1, Lance 4, Riddle 1.  Fouled Out: Darst, Lance).

Dexter will play Kennett in semifinal action on Wednesday, December 28th at 8:30 p.m.

Portageville drops to the 5th place bracket and will play Doniphan at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28th.