PARK HILLS, Mo. — Mineral Area, Mo. surprised the No. 18 Barton Cougars 70-66 with a closing 11-5 offensive burst.

Noah Williams converted back-to-back baskets for a 61-59 lead with 1:55 left.

Mineral Area took charge with an 8-0 burst in 45 seconds for a 67-61 lead on scores by Duling's four points and baskets by Terron Garrett and Maki Joyner.

Mikey Williams' basket made it 68-66, but Garrett converted two free throws.

Barton's Aris Rodriguez (15), Rucker (12) and Mikey Wiliams (11) scored in double figures. Mineral Area's Nazir Allen contributed 23 points and trio of late-game blocks. Garrett added 19 points.

Barton jumped out of the gates quickly, racing to a 17-7 advantage by the 11:04 mark of the first half. Mineral Area countered with an 11-0 stretch to grab its first lead,

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