Bernie, Missouri - The Bernie Mules were well aware their game against Twin Rivers would be a true battle of championship level teams.  The Mules had a lot to protect with their undefeated 8-0 record to this point in the 2012-13 high school basketball season.

“This was a very physical, hard-fought win for us," noted Bernie's Head Coach Brad Botsch.  "Twin Rivers brings size and braun, and we had to really fight hard to come out on top."

The Mules were able to win the contest by a score of 63 to 61, led in scoring by David Baker with 18-points for Bernie.

Bernie found themselves down by a point after the first quarter of play as the Twin Rivers Royals posted 16 points.  But the Mules were able to gain back an offensive assault in the 2nd quarter with hot shooting of Joey Walker and Landon Woods.  Each athlete posted 6-points each during the 2nd quarter to give the Mules a halftime lead 31-26. 

But in the third quarter, the Royals were able to fight back to close that lead down to only two points.  Twin Rivers Snider led the team with 6-points to keep his team in reach of the Mules going into the fourth quarter.

"Just when I would think we were about to put them away, they’d fight back and get a couple of buckets," noted Botsch. 

The Royals' Snider and Ray continued their top offensive play during the fourth quarter to keep the game tight.  Twin Rivers would not allow this game to get away from them outscoring the Mules 17 to 14 in the the third quarter..

B. J. Jennings' performance was steady and sure at the free throw line.  Having hit a 3-pointer in the first quarter, Jennings waited until the fourth quarter to offer his steady hand to make 7 of 10 free throws to help win the game. 

Sam Turner also hit an important 3-pointer in the fourth to help the Mules hang on to the win.

"It’s tough to play a good team twice in a 3 week span, but fortunately we were able to get the win," closed Coach Botsch.

The Mules will be back in action at the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament on Wednesday, December 26th at 11:15 AM when they will take on the East Prairie Eagles.  The Mules received a #2 seed in the tournament.  Twin Rivers has been seeded #5 and will play the Dexter Bearcats at 3:30 the same day in the opening round of the tournament.

Bernie's Junior Varsity was able to win their game against the Royals by a score of 47 to 29.  Ellenburg continued to lead his team with 18 points on the night, followed by Woods with 12 and Jennings with 10.  The Bernie JV is also having a great season with an 8-0 record on the season.