In a tightly contested 1A-D1 Substate matchup, the Rural Vista Heat kept their season alive Tuesday night with a 49-46 victory over the Burlingame Bearcats, ending Burlingame’s season at 10-11.
The game was close from the opening tip. The teams were tied 9-9 at the end of the first quarter before Burlingame used a strong second period to build a 22-15 halftime lead.
The Bearcats appeared to seize control early in the third quarter, stretching the advantage to 28-17. But Rural Vista responded with a surge of its own, trimming the deficit to 34-32 by the end of the period and setting up a tense fourth quarter.
Rural Vista finally regained the lead — its first since the opening quarter — with 2:30 remaining, moving in front 43-42. After Burlingame briefly answered, the Heat took the lead for good at 47-46 with 1:12 left and converted key possessions down the stretch to secure the three-point win.
Coach Jeff Slater thought they gave up too many easy shots in the second half.
Harper Seele led Burlingame with 21 points in her final game of the season. Rural Vista was powered by Kaimey Evans and Lilliana Stilwell, who each scored 16 points as the Heat improved to 13-8 and will face top-seeded Wabaunsee on Monday.
Playoff Scores:
Madison 48 Fairfield 24
