Easton Nelson’s layup in the final 20 seconds sent Exira-EHK to a double-overtime win over CAM 73-71 on Friday night in front of a packed house in Anita. The Spartans led by as many as 16 points in the second quarter but the Cougars clawed their way back in the second half.

The Spartans led 34-23 at halftime and the Cougars trimmed the lead to 4 at 44-40 by the end of the third. CAM got within 2 points five different times in the fourth quarter and finally tied it in the final seconds on a slicing layup by Seth Hensley. Tied at 57 the two teams traded blows in the extra session and combined to go 10-10 at the free throw line. The final two free throws in overtime were drained by Sam Foreman to tie the game at 63 and send it to another extra period. With the game square at 71 the Spartans ran a set that got Easton Nelson a great look on the left block that he banked in to put Sparty up 73-71. CAM had one last chance but a scramble for the ball after Chase Jahde hit the deck and tried to put up a shot from his knees let time run out. After the game Nelson talked about that final bucket.

Spartans head coach Doug Newton was proud of the response his team had in the big moments.

Cash Emgarten led the Spartans with 18 points and he said a win like this should give the team a great boost.

Derrek Kommes added 16 points and Trey Petersen had 12 to help the Spartans move to 3-0 on the season. They get right back after it against IKM-Manning on Saturday afternoon.

CAM was led by 28 points from Sam Foreman and 22 from Chase Jahde. The Cougars fall to 1-2 and will head to face a tough West Harrison team on Tuesday.

Listen to the full postgame interview with Coach Newton below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (2.7MB)

Subscribe: RSS