The Buckhorn Wildcats hosted one of Eastern Kentucky's perennial powerhouses in the South Laurel Cardinals on Thursday. The two teams came out of the blocks strong, with Buckhorn coming out on top at the break. The Wildcats held off a strong challenge late to take the win.

The two combatants traded blows in the first quarter, with neither team taking more than a couple of baskets lead. When the horn sounded to end the period, the Wildcats were on top 24-22.

The momentum began to shift to the Wildcats in the second period, and they began to close in on a double-digit lead. By the break, Buckhorn had the double-digit lead at 42-32.

The pace picked up in the third quarter as Buckhorn tried to put the game on ice, and South Laurel tried to get back in contention. The 10-point advantage held (61-51) going into the final period.

South Laurel opened the fourth quarter with a rally, but it was quickly extinguished by Buckhorn. The Wildcats were able to fend off the Cardinals and collected the 76-67 win.

Buckhorn (76)

Matt Day 23 (11 rebounds and 3 assists), Dustin Colwell 22 (6 rebounds and 4 assists), Eric Stidham 12 (4 assists), Scotty Blank 10 (6 rebounds and 5 assists), Tate Gay 5, Trey Gay 1 and Ryan Couch 3 (5 assists and 4 steals).

South Laurel (67)

St. John 20, Watkins 16, Karr 10, Gilbert 9, Huff 4, Kahn 3 and Sanders 3.