A free throw in the closing seconds by Tye Dale of Junction City proved to be the winning point for the Blue Jays in a 56-55 overtime victory over Blue Valley West in the seventh place consolation game of the McPherson Invitational on Saturday.

Junction City ( 4-8 ) led by six points with 30 seconds remaining in regulation but two 3-point baskets by Spencer Bain of Blue Valley West ( 3-8 )  tied the game at 49 all at the end of regulation.

Blue Jay coach Nick Perez noted his team was 4-10 at the free throw line, but they finally made some free throws. “We’ve got to learn to close out games. ” Perez stated it was good to come to the tournament and get a win. “I think our guys were hungry, and I give it to Blue Valley West, they played extremely well to and they’re well coached.

Perez added he was happy for his team, noting they’re excited. “We know that we’ve got to start building off this. We’ve got to get better each time. It was a tough, hard fought game.”

Junction City will host Topeka High next Friday night.