Coming off a benefit game win over Stillwell, Oklahoma in Wildcat Arena one week ago (Nov. 9), Har-Ber (1-0) traveled to Siloam Springs (1-0) for their first regular season game of the year.

Siloam opened their brand new Panther Activity Center on this night, along with featuring their new head coach, Tim Stewart.

Har-Ber trailed after one period of play but fought back in the second for a 31-27 lead at the half.

The Wildcats paced their lead into the fourth quarter, and even expanded their advantage by six.

Junior Alex Rice, who scored 25 points versus Stillwell, would be less of a factor on this night.

“I got in foul trouble early which caused me to be less aggressive late,” said Rice.

Rice finished with five points and five fouls (fouling out of the game in the fourth.)

Helping drown Har-Ber’s lead in the fourth was Siloam’s junior Payton Henson. He scored 10 in the fourth, with 30 total. And drowning the Har-Ber lead is just what he did, sending the game to overtime.

“I didn’t do a good job containing Henson towards the end. He had nine straight points,” said Rice. “and I take full responsibility.”

In overtime Har-Ber took the early advantage but then lost it quickly and never rebounded.

Senior Jacob Berry did all he could in overtime hitting two threes on two of the Wildcats final three possessions. Berry finished with 14.

Junior Justin Malott led the Wildcats with 19 points, and sophomore Brady Blackwell added 12.

“We all contributed to how well we played, but we just couldn’t finish,” said Malott. “It just wasn’t our night. It’s all about the next one.”

Senior Charles Means led the Wildcats with 11 assists.

Har-Ber fell just short 66-64 in a high scoring affair.