Logan Fleener, Cody Zimbars and Ethan Kuenstler each connected on three-point shots in the fourth quarter Tuesday night, helping the North Clay Cardinals come from behind and post a 53-49 victory at home over St. Anthony in the National Trail Conference opener for both teams.

The Cardinals trailed 37-36 entering the final eight minutes. The three shots from long range helped the hosts go on a 17-12 surge that earned the win. North Clay made just 2-of-6 free throws down the stretch, but the Bulldogs couldn’t capitalize. SAHS got three-pointers from Collin Westendorf and Ryan Schmidt, but it wasn’t enough.

The game was close throughout. It was 12-12 after the opening quarter. St. Anthony then held a slim 22-21 lead at intermission.

Zimbars led three Cardinals in double figures with 14 points. Levi Smith scored 13 and Fleener added 11.

Brock Fearday had a big game for the Bulldogs, leading all scorers with 24 points. Jonathan Willenborg scored nine.

St. Anthony dipped to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in the conference. The Bulldogs will play Friday at Sullivan.