Savage Heat handed second tough loss in two days

Just a day removed from a heartbreaking home loss to Superior, the Hot Springs Savage Heat traveled to Alberton Jan. 5 and suffered another stinging defeat - this time a 44-41 overtime loss to the Panthers.

Nick Pavelich led the charge for the Savage Heat, scoring two buckets in each of the last three quarters and nailing six of eight shots from the foul line for 18 points. Reiley Winebrenner was the only other Hot Springs player in double digits, hitting two three-pointers in the second quarter for a total of 10 points. Drew Flagen rounded out the Heat's top three scores with seven points, and Blake Herman contributed six.

Both teams managed only sparse scoring in the fourth quarter, but Hot Springs' six points - twice Alberton's final-quarter total - was enough for the Heat to push the game to overtime at 38-38.

Hot Springs tacked on another three points in overtime, but a two-point bucket and free throws allowed Alberton to outpace the Savage Heat for a win.