BILLINGS – Hardin and Lewistown will play in Friday’s Eastern A divisional semifinals after posting a pair of boys basketball wins Wednesday at Rimrock Auto Arena.
Hardin’s fast-paced game plan was a difference-maker in the second half against a Miles City squad playing its second game of the day. After leading by eight at half, the Bulldogs wore down Miles City late for a 63-43 victory sparked by a 23-3 run in the second half.
Andrew House led everybody with 17 points for Hardin. Steven Ray scored 10 points for Miles City.
The Bulldogs are off Thursday and meet the Laurel/Livingston winner Friday in a 3:30 p.m. semifinal. Miles City faces Eastern A foe Glendive in a 3:30 p.m. loser-out on Thursday.
In the late boys quarterfinal, Lewistown edged Sidney 44-38 in a game that was punch-counter-punch throughout.
The Golden Eagles led 6-2 after a low-scoring first quarter, but gave way to Sidney 18-17 at the break. Lewistown was able to put together some third-quarter offense and build a little separation, outscoring Sidney 19-6 in the period.
Lewistown’s Jaden Graham led all scorers with 15 points. Bridger Larson topped Sidney with 13 while Max Peters chipped in with 11.
Lewistown will play Friday at 5 p.m. against Thursday morning’s winner of Billings Central and Belgrade. That game is set for 10:30 a.m. Sidney faces Havre in a loser-out game Thursday at 5 p.m.
Like Miles City, the Eagles were also playing their second Wednesday game after beating Glendive in a morning match-up.
Wednesday Boys
Miles City 45, Havre 43
Sidney 36, Glendive 35
Hardin 63, Miles City 43
Lewistown 44, Sidney 38
