SPENCERVILLE, Ohio (WLIO) — One season after delivering an overtime classic, Spencerville and Minster met again on the hardwood with another close finish on the line at The Walk-In Closet.

The two teams last faced off January 3 of last season, when Minster outlasted Spencerville 88–77 in overtime. This time, it was the Bearcats who found a way to close.

Spencerville got going early as Will Sensabaugh came off an inbounds play, jab-stepped his defender and knocked down a mid-range jumper. The junior finished with 15 points on the night as the Bearcats stayed within striking distance in the opening quarter.

Minster answered inside, feeding 6-foot-8 center Cole Albers on the block. Albers used his size to his advantage, turning and dropping in a hook shot to keep the Wildcats in front. Moments later, Cole McClurg shook his defender with a spin move and buried a fadeaway jumper to extend Minster’s lead.

Spencerville responded from beyond the arc. Sophomore Jude Stemen drained a three-pointer to give the Bearcats a 23–20 advantage in the second quarter. Stemen also finished with 15 points as the momentum continued to swing back and forth.

The game stayed tight down the stretch, with neither team able to create separation. Kolten Grigsby provided a key layup late, helping Spencerville maintain its slim edge.

In the end, the Bearcats held on to secure a 57–55 win over Minster, adding another close chapter to an already competitive series.