The boys basketball team suffered a tough double overtime loss to the 17-3 Blair Blazers, Feb. 18, by a final score of 59-53.

The Vikes held a four point lead with just a minute remaining in the first overtime but let the Blazers battle back until ultimately getting outscored 13-7 in the second OT.

The game was physical throughout its entirety with neither team being able to get its offense going. The Vikings led at halftime, 21-18, after holding the Blazers to just four points in the second quarter.

The second half was even tighter with just 16 combined points scored in the fourth quarter.

After finding themselves down six with 3:30 left, the Vikes were able to hit two big three-pointers that tied the game. After a back-and-forth final minute, the Vikings found themselves with a chance to score at the buzzer, but a drive by point guard Max Steinhorn hit off the backboard and then the side of the rim to send the game to overtime.

As overtime began, the Vikes took a quick lead and had a chance to close the game out by knocking down free throws but were unable to, giving the Blazers a chance to come back and tie the game. As the first overtime was expiring, Blair had a chance to end the game but couldn’t hit on a long running three.

The second overtime began and the Blazers took over, capitalizing on missed shots and turnovers that gave them a lead they wouldn’t let up.

“It was a tough loss, especially after we had so many chances to close out the game.” Guard Alex Lesley said. “We just need to come back strong against Kennedy on Friday and look for redemption in the playoffs against Blair.”

Steinhorn returned to the scoring mix, leading the team with 13 points and guard Kyle Depollar also had 10 to add to the Vikings’ attack.

One problem the Vikes had, however, was their free throw shooting which was a problematic 57% and without Lesley’s 5-5 from the line, it was an even lower 43%.

The team will now take on the Kennedy Cavaliers at home, Feb. 21, on senior night in the game that will decide second place in the division. A win will secure the Vikes the second seed but a loss with send them to a coin flip with the Cavaliers.