In a game eerily similar to the first meeting, the Cardinals once again used an outburst to open the third quarter and then converted late free throws in defeating Hillcrest on Wednesday night.

Webb City controlled most of the first half, only trailing twice,  once when Hillcrest opened the game with the first two points and at the end of the half when the Hornets converted two free throws and took a 27-25 lead into the locker room.

The Cardinals then bolted out with the first 11 points to start the second half that eventually settled into a 20-6 run as they built a double digit lead at the two minute mark of the third quarter.   The Hornets made their own run back at the Cardinals as they closed to within a single point early in the fourth.  Webb City held off the Hornets, pulling back out to a six point lead when Mason Young snatched an offensive rebound and scored his only two points of the night.  Webb City then converted five free throws in the final minute to preserve the win.  

Holton Keith led with 20 points and seven rebounds.  Eli Pace powered in 19 points while grabbling six rebounds.  Trae Turner's steal and old fashioned three point play put a bow on the ending of the contest as he finished with a career best 19 points, including 8-9 from the free throw line.

The Cardinals will take on the Central in the first semi-final match on Friday at 6:00.