HARROD, Ohio (WLIO) — Liberty-Benton built an early lead and made the necessary plays down the stretch to earn a 67-60 win over Allen East in a nonconference matchup in Harrod.

Allen East struck first in the opening quarter as Ethan Hershberger found Brady Brooks for a finish at the rim, giving the Mustangs an early four-point advantage.

Liberty-Benton answered in the second quarter with crisp ball movement. With the game tied at 16, Taden Troyer went off the glass to give the Eagles the lead. Moments later, Lincoln Holler attacked the basket and converted, helping Liberty-Benton carry a 28-20 advantage into the halftime break.

Allen East looked to claw back in the second half. Cam Smith knocked down a three-pointer to trim the deficit to five, and the Mustangs continued to apply pressure offensively.

The momentum briefly shifted again when Keegan Jones connected with Deacon Jones for an and-one finish at the rim, pulling Allen East within three.

Liberty-Benton responded when it mattered most. Senior Brody Thomas buried a clutch three to steady the Eagles, who maintained control late and closed out the seven-point victory.

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