The Bobcats picked up their fifth consecutive win on Friday, Feb. 14, as they traveled to Eustis to take on the Hi-Line Bulls. However, this one proved extra exciting as it took an overtime period to seal the victory. It was a shoot-out for four quarters of basketball as the Bobcats and Bulls traded points back and forth. South Loup took a narrow lead, 15-13, at the end of the first period. The teams finished the second quarter with each adding 9 points to the board and the Bobcats took a 2-point lead into the halftime locker room. Hi-Line regrouped and came out with more intensity in the third quarter, increasing their score by 13 points while South Loup added another 10, giving the Bulls a 1-point advantage heading into the final quarter.

The intensity level was high throughout the fourth quarter with aggressive defense and the teams trading points. When the final buzzer sounded South Loup had gained 1 point in the quarter on the Bulls, 13-12, to even the score at 47 at the end of regulation play.

In the overtime period, however, it was all Bobcats.

The defense did their job and held the Bulls scoreless while the Bobcats were able to score 8 points to take the win 55-47.

Conner Paulsen led the scoring for the Bobcats with 20 points, followed by Dylan Pandorf with 14.

Crew Witthuhn added 12 points and pulled down 13 rebounds.

The win improves South Loup’s record to 17-4 heading into their final regular season game on Friday, Feb.

21, as they host Sumner-Eddyville-Miller at Callaway.

Tip-off for the boys varsity game is 6 p.m.

ABOVE: The South Loup defense puts pressure on an Anselmo-Merna ball handler during the Feb. 11 game on the Bobcat's home court. South Loup easily won the contest, 56-39. (Courier photo by Ronda McFate)