FINDLAY, Ohio (WLIO) — Van Buren held off a late push from Columbus Grove to secure a 41-39 win Wednesday night in a Division VI district semifinal at Liberty-Benton High School.

The matchup, featuring teams from the Blanchard Valley Conference and the Northwest Conference, opened a doubleheader at the Liberty-Benton site.

Van Buren came out strong in the first quarter, building a 10-point lead behind senior Anakin Ortega, who knocked down a 3-pointer to help the Black Knights establish early momentum.

Columbus Grove battled back in the third quarter. A free throw followed by a basket from Gavin Baxter gave the Bulldogs their first lead of the game at 34-31.

Van Buren answered quickly. Brady Lance hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 34 heading into the fourth quarter.

The final period turned into a defensive battle, with neither team scoring for roughly seven minutes. The Black Knights finally broke the drought with a free throw, setting up a go-ahead basket by Will Rampe that put Van Buren ahead 37-34 late in the game.

Columbus Grove had one last opportunity in the closing seconds. The Bulldogs stole the inbounds pass and launched a last-second heave, but the shot missed at the buzzer.

Van Buren held on for the 41-39 victory.

The Black Knights advance to the district final, where they will face Seneca East Tigers boys basketball at 6 p.m. Friday at Liberty-Benton.

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