FINDLAY, Ohio (WLIO) — Ada Bulldogs boys basketball used a late basket to slip past Allen East Mustangs boys basketball 48-47 in a Division VI district semifinal Wednesday at Liberty-Benton High School.

The matchup was the second game of a district doubleheader and lived up to expectations after Allen East won the teams’ regular-season meeting 52-49 on Dec. 6.

Allen East surged in the fourth quarter to take its first lead of the game.

Keagan Jones knocked down a contested 3-pointer to spark the rally, and moments later Brady Brooks converted a layup in transition following a defensive stop.

The quick 5-0 run put the Mustangs ahead 41-39 with about three minutes remaining.

The lead changed hands several times down the stretch. With about a minute left, Ada’s Gavin Oldfield scored to give the Bulldogs a 46-45 advantage.

Allen East answered when sophomore Cam Smith drove to the basket and finished through contact for a go-ahead score. Smith missed the free throw attempt, but the Mustangs still held a 47-46 lead.

Ada had one final opportunity with 19.7 seconds remaining. Off an inbounds play, Carson Conley found Zack Zimmerman cutting through the lane, and the senior fought through traffic to finish the go-ahead basket.

Allen East quickly pushed the ball up the floor in the final seconds, but the last shot missed as time expired.

Ada secured the 48-47 victory and advances to face Marion Local Flyers boys basketball in the district final Friday at Wapakoneta High School. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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