Northern C Update: Big Sandy knocks out Box Elder

GREAT FALLS - The Box Elder Bears and Big Sandy Pioneers have played some great games this season, including last Saturday's triple-overtime thriller at the District 9C tournament in Havre. And on Saturday afternoon, the two rivals duked it out one more time, with the Pioneers coming out on top, 58-57 in a Northern C boys loser-out game. With the win, Big Sandy advanced to tonight's consolation game against Dutton-Brady. The Diamondbacks beat the Pioneers in the first round on Thursday. Box Elder's season ended at 18-5.

Big Sandy led for much of the contest, but the Bears took lead by one with under three minutes to go. However, from there, the Bears didn't score again, while the Pioneers held a one-point edged for the final 2:45. Trevor Lackner scored 18 points for Big Sandy, while Randall Gardipee and Clayton Morsette each scored 15 for the Bears.

Tonight's game between Big Sandy and Dutton-Brady is set for 7 p.m. The championship game between Highwood and Roy-Winifred is set for 8:30 p.m. With a win over Dutton-Brady, Big Sandy will challenge on Monday night regardless of the outcome in the champonship game.

For full coverage, see Monday's Havre Daily News.