Three-pointers by Aaron Webb and Logan Antrim got the Bulldogs even at 15-15. But Chris Enge turned in a three-point play and Burgener scored for A&M to build a five-point edge. At halftime, the Raiders were on top 22-18.

“I thought we were fortunate to only be down four at halftime,” Rincker said. “We didn’t shoot well, but the guys stuck to the game plan. We were patient on offense, attacking the basket when we could. But I can’t say enough about our defense. The boys did a tremendous job.

“They stuck to the plan,” Rincker added. “We kept the ball in front of us and tried to take away their threes, which is a tough task to do. A&M is so talented and can do so many things.”

Burgener drilled a three to open the second half and give A&M its largest lead of the game at seven points. The Bulldogs responded, getting two baskets from Jaccob Dust and another from Antrim to close within 25-24.

But Heaton started to get more involved at the offensive end. The talented senior scored seven points, including a 3-pointer that gave the Raiders another seven-point cushion, 38-31. But Jack Elder and Webb both turned A&M turnovers into baskets, helping the Bulldogs get within 38-35 heading into the final eight minutes.

The fourth quarter was an example of two strong teams playing at a high level. Back-to-back scores from Webb and Dust gave St. Anthony its first lead since 4-2. But the lead changes hands five times over the next four minutes. Two free throws by Jack Hoene gave the Bulldogs the lead for good, 46-44, with 3:50 to play.

Kaden Feaday hit a short jumper to make it a four-point margin, but Heaton scored three points to narrow the gap to 48-47 with 59 seconds to go.

Hoene responded with a tough shot near the basket and Hutchins scored on an offensive rebound to account for the final score, but there was still plenty of action in the final 38 seconds.

Antrim and Hoene both missed the front end of a bonus that could have increased the Bulldogs lead. Heaton missed a short jumper for A&M, but after Hoene’s miss at the foul line with 19 seconds to play, the Raiders held for a final shot.

That ended up being a 3-pointer by Burgener that narrowly missed being a game-winning shot.

“We need to improve on our free throws down the stretch,” Rincker said. “And we need to be a little stronger with the ball. But, wow, what a game.”

The Raiders, who dipped to 24-3 on the season, got 15 points from Heaton, plus 14 from Burgener and 10 from Jack Paradee. They shot 35 percent overall, making 20-of-57 attempts. They were 4-of-22 from 3-point range and 5-of-8 from the foul line.

The Bulldogs were led by Dust’s double-double performance. The 6’7” senior center scored 15 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. He also blocked four shots and altered several others.

“Jaccob used his size and ability to make a big difference inside,” Rincker said. “He stayed vertical, moved his feet and altered quite a few shots. I doubt they play against as many kids as big as Jaccob. He was certainly a difference maker.”

St. Anthony shot 42 percent for the game, connecting on 19-of-45 shots. The Bulldogs were 3-for-12 from behind the arc and 9-of-16 from the free throw line.

Rincker also had high praise for the defensive play of Fearday and Elder, who both guarded Andricks and held him to five points.

“He’s capable of scoring 25 to 30 points any game,” the St. Anthony coach said. “Kaden and Jack were outstanding. I think they frustrated him a little.”

The Bulldogs improved to 23-3 on the season. They won’t have much time to celebrate this victory, however. They will play for the National Trail Conference championship Tuesday. They will be at home against Altamont. Both teams enter the game unbeaten in league play.

St. Anthony will then end the regular season Friday night at Casey-Westfield.