The Raiders (19-10, 7-5) had a chance to secure its 20th win of the season, but was not able to capitalize against West Plains, the last-place team in the region.

With the score tied at 71, Ace Evans hit the winning basket in the closing seconds to give the Grizzlies (10-19, 1-11) the upset win over Three Rivers.

"(West Plains) was very excited about playing the game," Three Rivers men's coach Robert Kirby said. "That is the best crowd I've seen there in a while. … Their coach did a great job of getting them prepared to play in the right mindset after struggling through the season. They had a purpose in mind to do everything they could possibly do as a team, as one unit, to not go (winless in region play)."

Antonio Williams hit a free throw with 1:06 remaining to put the Raiders ahead 70-69, but West Plains retook the lead at 71-70 on an Evans layup. Matt Hampton's free throw with 28 seconds left tied the score at 71, setting the stage for Evans' game-winner.

Hampton led Three Rivers with 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Drew Ward added 16 points and Williams had 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots. Allen Stoddard had eight points and six rebounds, while Johann Pautsch also had six rebounds.

Evans led West Plains with 22 points, while Shunderrius Glass added 17 and Mekai Lindsey finished with 16.

As a team, Three Rivers shot 48% (26-for-54) from the field but just 15% (2-for-13) behind the 3-point line. TRC did outrebound the Grizzlies 42-26.

The Raiders are back on the court Thursday when they host State Fair (16-14, 7-5) in a Region XVI semifinal at the Libla Family Sports Complex.

Mike Buhler - Daily American Republic