By JASON VIOX\Daily Journal Sports Writer

Published: Sunday, November 21, 2004
Updated: Saturday, November 20, 2004 10:25 PM CST

PARK HILLS - It's not everyday when a basketball game goes into overtime. The Mineral Area Cardinals were down, but not out as they sent their home game against Penn Valley into overtime on Saturday. MAC came out victorious in the struggle, training the Scouts 77-74.

The game started off in favor of the Scouts as they led 8-6. Although Penn Valley managed to extend its lead, Cardinal Ryan Byrne sank a pair of threes to narrow the MAC deficit to 24-20. Even though Marquis Bradford nailed a three-pointer for the Scouts, Mineral Area's Aaron Jackson retaliated with a on of his own for the Cardinals.

Both teams not only struggled to build a sizable lead, they also struggled in their shooting and ball-handling as well. Fouls were also a rarity early as Penn Valley was called for the first one of the game with 11:16 left in the first half. Both teams eventually made adjustments for a more intense, physical basketball game.

An aggressive drive from the Scouts' Deandre Cooper left he and Byrne on the floor in pain. Even though both players headed straight to their locker rooms, the pain wasn't enough to them from returning later on. Each time MAC sank a bucket, the Scouts fought back with a basket of their own. The halftime score was dead set at 31-31.

The Cardinals started the second half on fire as Curtis Muse slammed two back-to-back dunks not only to pump up the team, but the fans as well. Mineral Area's Tremaine Wilkerson scored a basket before Penn Valley called a time out. One more bucket by Wilkerson was made before the Scouts stopped the scoring spree. MAC drained four minutes off the clock before the Scouts scored their first points of the second half.

Penn Valley inched closer to retaking the lead. When MAC scored two points, Valley dropped in a pair of hoops to eventually take the lead. The main difference came down to free throws. MAC nailed free throws throughout the game, while Penn Valley didn't share the same fate. The Scouts held a one point lead in the final minute, but a pair of late free throws were missed which could have helped seal the deal.

The Cardinals trailed 62-60 with 9.9 seconds left in the game, but Kenny Burke hit two vital free throws to tie the game and force overtime.

MAC started overtime on the right track by piling up eight quick points. Tensions and aggression between the two teams collided as both sides played extremely physical basketball. A long scramble resulted in a basket for Penn Valley, keeping the score close at 74-69, but Burke duplicated his earlier heroics by adding two more late free throws to finish off the Scouts.

Even though MAC trailed near the end of regulation, coach Corey Tate managed to remain calm. "I knew we had a chance," stated Tate. "Once we went into overtime I knew we would be okay. It was a great win."

Byrne, DeAlan Hicks, and Muse pulled down seven rebounds each. Burke made five steals while Muse had two. Muse racked up 18 points, followed by Byrne with 16 and Wilkerson with 12.

MAC (4-2) will host Illinois Central on Friday as part of their Thanksgiving Classic.