In a dogfight double-overtime semifinal at the Class 4A State Basketball Championship, the McPherson Bullpups take out the previously undefeated No. 1 Ottawa Cyclones with a 52-50 victory on Friday at the Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina.
An extremely competitive game, McPherson held a narrow 29-28 lead at halftime. Ottawa surged in the third quarter, at one point led by seven, but McPherson rallied to tie the game. Both teams were strategic in the final quarter and the first overtime, both focused on clock management and defense. With neither side able to score in the first over time the game proceeded into a second overtime. In the final moments, McPherson senior Gabe Pyle executed a spin move and made a shot at the buzzer.
With the win the Bullpups head to their 3rd straight title game appearance and aim to score a 15th state title.
The championship game will be held at 4PM at the Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina.