Alexander Kutcher connected on a three for Antioch that got the Sequoits to within 32-30, but Jaccob Dust grabbed an offensive rebound, scored, got fouled and completed a three-point play that extended the margin to 35-30 with 1:05 to play.

Kennan Walsh added a free throw with five seconds to seal the win, even though Gavin Eldridge hit a long-range three at the buzzer for Antioch.

For the the Bulldogs, it was a much slower paced game than they prefer to play.

“But it was good for us,” Rincker said. “This was a grind it out type of game, but it showed where we need some improvement as we get ready for the second half of the year.

“We’re a team that likes to get it out and go, but we also have to be adaptable,” Rincker added. “We have to be able to win against different styles. That’s the sign of a championship team. You have to be able to adapt.”

The Bulldogs looked like they might pull away early in the game. Jack Hoene hit a three, Dust scored five points and Kaden Fearday hit back-to-back shots, the latter from behind the arc, that put St. Anthony up by double digits, 15-5.

Connor Walk hit a short jumper at the end of the quarter and the Bulldogs were on top 17-10 as the first quarter ended.

But that was the last field goal St. Anthony hit for almost 12 minutes.

The Bulldogs scored just two points – both on free throws – in the second period and went scoreless for the first 3½ minutes of the third quarter. But when Webb hit a layup at the 4:26 mark, St. Anthony still owned a 21-15 lead.

But Eldridge turned in a three-point play, drilled a 3-pointer and converted a turnover into another basket, helping the Sequoits get within 24-23 heading into the final eight minutes.

The Bulldogs didn’t have a player in double figures. Dust scored nine points and Hoene added seven. Dust also pulled down nine rebounds. St. Anthony shot 43 percent overall, making 13-of-30 attempts. The Bulldogs were 5-for-9 from three-point range and 5-for-10 from the foul line.

“Overall, I thought we played pretty well in this tournament,” Rincker said. “We competed and we were in every game we played. This is a unique tournament. You’re going to play quality competition you won’t see anywhere else. I’m proud of the way our team performed.

“I’m looking forward to the second half of the season,” Rincker added. “We’re going to turn the page on the first half and start fresh. Now we turn our attention to the NTC and the postseason. We have a lot to improve on, but I’m confident we’ll get there.”

The Bulldogs, who entered the week ranked No. 2 in Class 1A, improved to 12-2 on the season. They will return to action at Robinson on Tuesday, Jan. 7.