Beech Tree News Network

Butler County faltered late as Third Region rival Ohio County battled back from behind to win 78-77 in a boys' high school basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 7. 

The Bears suffered the loss after taking a lead out of each of the first three quarters. 

Butler County outscored visiting Ohio County 19-18 in the opening period. 

Extending its lead, Butler County outscored Ohio County 25-16 in the second quarter to lead 44-34 at halftime.

Butler County led 61-49 at the end of the third quarter but Ohio County wouldn't go away.

Ohio County excelled late, outscoring the Bears 29-16 in the fourth quarter to claim the win.

Elijah Decker poured in a game-high 36 points to lead Ohio County to the come-from-behind win over the Bears. Decker, who scored 29 points in the second half, made seven three-point field goals.

Accompanying Decker in double figures for the Eagles, Carter Young netted 11 points.

Aiding Ohio County offensively, Cooper Allen (eight points), Carson Kennedy (eight points), Bo Morse (eight points), Parker Culbertson (six points) and Walker Lindsey (one point) accounted for the rest of the Eagles' scoring. 

Ty Price scored a team-high 34 points to lead the Bears. Three players reached double figures in scoring for Butler County with Lawson Rice adding 18 points and Justin Castlen contributing 12 points.

The other scorers for Butler County in the setback were Luke Laughing (six points), Trever Deweese (five points) and Carson Miller (two points). 

Following the loss, Butler County dropped to 17-8. 

Butler County is scheduled to host Edmonson County for a 12th District game at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.