Raiders and Lincoln Trail were back-and-forth much of the game in a defensive struggle.

Three Rivers (4-2) led most of the first half and early in the second half before the Statesmen went on a 11-0 run to take a 40-34 lead on Jared Jackson's basket with nine minutes and change left in the second half.

The Raiders did not give up, using a 10-2 run to take a 51-48 lead on two free throws from Demetris "Meechie" White with 1:57 left in regulation and leading 53-51 after a Cole Nichols free throw with five seconds left.

However, Lincoln Trail (4-0) answered back, getting a basket from Ronnie Ellis before time expired to tie the game and force overtime — then in the extra session, the Statesmen outscored Three Rivers 16-8 to secure the win.

The Raiders were burned by 22 turnovers Tuesday and also shot just 32% from the field (20-for-63), including 29% (10-for-35) after halftime. However, Three Rivers did outrebound the Statesmen 49-37 and held the hosts to just 34% shooting (23-for-68).

Matt Hampton paced the Raiders with 17 points, while Robert "Deuce" Alexander added 11 and White finished with 10. Hampton also hauled down eight rebounds, while White had two steals and William Patterson blocked three shots while making his first start of the season.

Ty Williams led Lincoln Trail the Statesmen with 19 points, while Ellis added 16 and Gabe Omoregie finished with 10.

The Raiders are back on the court at 5 p.m. Friday at the Bob Sechrest Classic in Park Hills against Link Year Prep.

Mike Buhler - Daily American Republic