MURPHYSBORO — The Massac County Patriots improved to 7-0, 5-0 in the River to River–Ohio, with a 50-41 win at Murphysboro Friday night.

The Patriots led 41-32 heading to the fourth quarter, but the Red Devils scored the first nine points to tie the game at 41.

They did not score the rest of the game.

The Patriots held Murphysboro scoreless the final 3:04, scoring the game’s final nine points to remain unbeaten.

The struggles in close games continued for the Red Devils, who came into the game with four conference losses by a total of 10 points and was in position to knock the Patriots from the ranks of the unbeaten.

“We got up on ’em I think 9 or 10, but typical of Coach Murphy’s team, they made a run at us and tied the ballgame up, but we made some plays,” said Patriots’ head coach Joe Hosman. “We’ve got some kids that are not afraid of the moment. They’ll step up and make basketball plays. We had two sophomores and two freshman on the floor a lot tonight. As young as we are, my two seniors did a great job.”

“Any time you can come in here and get a win–we’re 7-0, 5-0 in the conference–we’re very blessed to be where we are at right now.”

Hosman’s son, Isaac, is one of those freshmen. He led three Patriots in double figures with 14 points. Sophomore Brady Cissell and senior JJ Sweatt added ten points apiece.

Both teams will step out of conference play Saturday. The Patriots will host Eldorado, while the Red Devils will visit Carbondale.