By JASON EPP
Leader & Times
A third quarter surge and the hot hand of Clayton Chase gave the Southwestern Heights faithful hope of a come-from-behind win in the fourth. But South Gray took care of business in the fourth to win, 66-57.

After falling behind eight points in the first half, Southwestern Heights surged in the third with a 20-13 advantage that cut South Gray’s lead to just one heading into the fourth.

Clayton Chase and Nate Johnsrud combined to score 16 of the Mustang’s 20 in the third.

But in the fourth, the Rebels pulled away, outscoring Heights 19-11. Chase did all he could to keep the Rebels in the game, scoring 17 of his game-high 29 in the second half.

Chase was 6 of 7 in the paint, and 7 of 8 outside of it. Chase also was 3 for 3 at the charity stripe and grabbed 9 boards, just missing out on a double-double.

South Gray built their lead early in the game, outscoring Heights 19-12 in the first quarter. South Gray grabbed a 15-14 advantage in the second to go up 8 at half.

Turnovers were a huge factor in the game with Heights committing 15 while South Gray committed just four. Rebounding was virtually even, but South Gray grabbed 10 of their boards at the offensive end for second-chance points and trips to the foul line.

South Gray made more free throws (16) than Heights attempted (13).

Nate Johnsrud complimented Chase’s big offensive night with 13 points. Nate was 5 of 8 from 2-point range, but only 1 of 9 from 3-point range.

Southwestern Heights (10-7) will try to bounce back by attempting to upset top-ranked Meade Tuesday night at Southwestern Heights.