It took an extra four minutes, but the Exira-EHK Spartans won on Monday night 66-55 over Woodbine. It was a close game for most of the night, so the finish felt right.

The game was tied at the end of the first quarter 9-9 but Woodbine outscored the Spartans 14-9 in the second quarter to lead 23-18 at half. Woodbine maintained a lead up until 4:31 left in the game. Jameson Kilworth hit a pair of free throws to tie the game at 36. Both teams exchanged baskets down the stretch and with a minute to go Woodbine tied it at 40-40 thanks to Jax Pryor focus at the line. Neither team could score in the last minute which led to overtime.

The Spartans got a couple key buckets in the lane from Jackson Radcliff in the extra period and held the Tigers in check to grab the win. After the game Head Coach Tony Santisteban noted that his message to the team heading into overtime was have heart and finish at the line.

Cash Emgarten finished with 18 points to lead Exira-EHK, Aiden Flathers added 17 and Jameson Kilworth contributed 10. The Spartans improve to 12-4 on the season.

Woodbine was led by 22 points from Carter Gruver who was electric in the second half scoring 16 and seemed undeterred by Exira-EHK’s defensive adjustments. Brody Pryor added 14 points on the night. The Tigers drop to 13-2 on the season and will face Coon Rapids-Bayard at home on Tuesday.

Exira-EHK will face Paton-Churdan on the road Tuesday night and Coach Santisteban is focusing on keeping the momentum rolling.

Tip off is set for 7:30pm.