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SMT Sports Writer

Campbell, Missouri - The Benie Mules continue their winning ways as they capture the championship of the Campbell Invitational Tournament by defeating the Holcomb Hornets in an exciting overtime victory by a final score of 54 to 52. 

“It sure wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win,” commented Coach Brad Botsch after the game. 

The Mules entered the contest as the favorites but knew the Hornets would present a challenge in the championship match.  With an undefeated record of 2-0 on the season, there were high hopes for a championship in Friday nights game.

“Holcomb is very well-coached and is always tough to play against,” added Botsch.

Holcomb jumped out to a big lead in the first quarter lead by Jamie Massey, who posted 5-points.  The Hornets finished the quarter with a 12 to 4 lead over the Mules.

But the Mules rallied in the second quarter offensively posting 24-points to overcome the deficit of the first quarter.  They regained the lead in the game at halftime by a score of 28 to 26. 

B J Jennings, Troy Kirkpatrick and Sam Turner held the hot shooting hand from 3-point land with Jennings adding two and Kirkpatrick and Turner each adding one. 

James Vance helped teammate Jamie Massey by putting up 3 field goals in the third quarter to help the Hornets tie the game at the end of the third with 41 points for each team.  The see-saw battle raged throughout the final quarter and fans were well aware the game would come down to a shootout. 

Cameron Clark for the Hornets hit a key three-pointer in the fourth quarter.  Bernie answered by matching the Hornets with eight points during the quarter.  Landon Woods hit a key free throw allowing at tie score at the end of regulation.

Sam Turner and David Baker combined for 5 points in the overtime period to capture the win for the Bernie Mules with the final score of 54 to 52.

“We really struggled to execute offensively and made so many poor decisions with the ball,” noted Botsch.  “However, our kids played so hard the entire game and found a way to get the job done.” 

The game met all expectations for both teams’ fans.  Coach Botsch commented that “Everyone in the stands got their money’s worth tonight, that’s for sure.”

Both coaches will be preparing for their teams next opportunity to meat later on this season.  The Bernie Mules will be at home this next Tuesday when they take on the Scott City Rams.