It took a team effort by Maize to finally pull away from Goddard late, eventually securing a 70-55 victory over the Lions in the opening round of sub-state tournament on Wednesday night.

The final score doesn’t reflect the competitiveness of the game. Maize clinged to a one point lead at the end of the third quarter before blowing the game open in the final minutes.

An 8-0 run in the fourth quarter allowed the Eagles to secure their 14th win of the season. The loss finishes Goddard’s season with a 9-12 record. Three players fouled out for the Lions over the course of the game.

Senior Troy Baker made critical blocks in the game to keep Goddard off the board. Sophomore Dayln Johnson lead the way at the offensive end, scoring 16 points. Senior Drake Spence’s diving effort while scrambling for a rebound resulted in a critical Grant Bugbee layup, effectively ending any chance of Goddard comeback.

The win advances Maize to the sub-state finals where the Eagles will take on the Liberal Redskins in Liberal at 6 p.m. on Friday.