MHS (6-3) watched a six-point halftime lead turn into a two-point deficit at the end of the third quarter, but battled back to take an 80-77 lead in the final seconds of regulation. MCA forced overtime when it hit a 75-footer at the buzzer, but the Bulldogs outscored the Eagles by one in extra period to push their win streak to five games. Maranatha got a look at the end of overtime, but came up empty on the potential game-winner.

Coach Jason Graf’s squad jumped out to an eight-point lead after one quarter. The teams played nearly even for the duration of the second quarter, and McLouth took a 41-35 advantage into the locker room. MCA came out hot in the third, going in front at the end of the period to set up the exciting finish.

Drew Cerny led the Bulldogs with 18 points. He was joined in double figures by Nick McAferty (17), Nic Bair (16), Dylan Dover (14) and Jack Courtney (11).

With the win, McLouth advances to Friday’s championship semifinals, where it will face Heritage Christian at 6:15 p.m. HCA advanced with a 79-64 win against Oskaloosa. The Bulldogs and Chargers met in McLouth’s season opener on Dec. 6, and Heritage took a 79-75 decision in overtime.

Tuesday’s other scores

Valley Falls 67, ACCHS 17

Wathena-Riverside 60, JC North 56

Heritage Christian 79, Oskaloosa 64

Friday’s semifinal schedule

Oskaloosa vs. Maranatha, 6 p.m. (Purple gym)

McLouth vs. Heritage Christian, 6:15 p.m. (Gold gym)

JC North vs. ACCHS, 7:30 p.m. (Purple gym)

Valley Falls vs. Wathena-Riverside, 7:45 p.m. (Gold gym)

— Championship semis in gold gym, consolation semis in purple gym.