The Cougars made just 8-of-15 foul shots in the fourth period, but six turnovers, two missed free throws and the inability to hit the crucial shots down the stretch, prevented the Bulldogs from ever tying the game or taking the lead.

A pair of free throws by Stewart made it a one-point game again, 51-50 with 37 seconds still left. Breese Central’s Jeremy Shubert made two free throws 15 seconds later, but a last-second three by St. Anthony’s Eli Levitt was a little off-target, securing the victory for the Cougars.

“We were down five, but we didn’t quit, which was great to see,” Rincker said. “We got some stops and got a turnover. Our tenacity was much better. I think that’s the word that’s going to define our team this year. We have to play with that kind of tenacity.”

Things started off well for the tournament hosts. Croy scored eight points and Griffin Sehy knocked down a three, helping the Bulldogs build a 17-7 lead after the opening quarter.

Colton Fearday scored to open the second period and Croy had another three to expand the cushion to 13 points, 22-9. But the Cougars managed to get within 25-18 at halftime.

Breese Central started applying the pressure in the second half and the turnovers started to pile up for the Bulldogs. They had six in the third period, but was able to maintain the lead. Croy hit a pair from behind the arc and tallied 10 points in the quarter. St. Anthony had a five-point cushion heading into the final eight minutes.

“We played pretty well those first three quarters,” Rincker said. “We made plays we needed to make to give ourselves a chance. We were in position to possibly get the win. But turnovers and free throw shooting got us in the end.”

Breese Central improved to 2-0 in tourney play and put itself one win away from a berth in the championship game. The Cougars will play Robinson at 3 p.m. Friday. If they win that game, they will face the winner of the Teutopolis-Mattoon game in the championship Saturday night.

Moore paced the Cougars with 19 points, while Shubert added 10.

Croy pumped in a game-high 24 points for the Bulldogs.,

“Craig has a chance to do that every night,” Rincker said. “I hope we get more balanced scoring, but with his experience, he can carry us. I thought he played with a controlled aggression tonight. He was also a strong rebounder and played tough defense. His demeanor and the way he plays the game gives the whole team confidence.”

Stewart also cracked double figures with 10 and pulled down a game-high seven rebounds. SAHS shot 45 percent from the floor, making 19-of-42 attempts. They were 5-for-13 from behind the arc.

The Bulldogs will now face their cross-town rival Effingham Friday night. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

“This is always a good game,” Rincker said. “There will be a lot of people here. These games always come down to the team that can hold their composure best.”