Hays High opened the Orange and Black Classic with a loss to #2-3A Goodland 56-52 in overtime late on Thursday evening.
The two teams played to a 19-19 tie through the first two quarters. Hays led 12-9 after the first eight minutes and then was outscored 10-7 in the second eight.
The Indians built their biggest lead of the game at eight points at 33-25 with 2:15 left in the third quarter. Hays though scored just two points for the remainder of the frame and led by four entering the fourth quarter 35-31.
Goodland took just their second lead of the game by knocking down three free throws with 3:46 remaining in regulation. The Cowboys had the ball leading 42-41 but turned it over on the possession and Hays hit back-to-back shots to lead 46-42 with 1:50 left.
The Indians though scored just one point over the balance of regulation. Goodland knocked down just two three pointers on the night. Their second and final one tied the game at 47. Hays got a shot off but couldn't score before the end of regulation.
In overtime Hays didn't score until there was just nine seconds left. By then the Cowboys had done their damage taking a 54-47 lead. Hays scored at the buzzer but fell 56-52.
Hays falls to 4-5 on the year. They were led in scoring by Dawson Ruder's 19 points. Jack Weimer scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Brady Brumbaugh led Goodland with 23 as the Cowboys improve to 8-1.