HARRISBURG — The top-seeded Hardin County Cougars earned a spot on the GEC Tournament championship game with a hard-fought, 37-29 win over Pope County.

The Cougars used a couple of big runs then had to hold off the hard charging Pirates lates. Hardin County held Pope County scoreless for 9:55 over the first and second quarters during a 13-0 run to build a 10-point lead.

After the Pirates ripped off seven straight to pull within 3, the Cougars scored the final seven points of the half to lead 20-10 at the break.

The run extended into the second half and wound up being 16-4 as the Cougars had a 29-14 lead late in the third. The Pirates scored the last five points of the third to get back within 29-19 heading to the fourth. Pope County got as close as five twice in the final 3:00, but Hardin County hit enough free throws to hold on for the win.

Hardin County’s Jake Vaughn led all scorers with 15 points. Masin Presser led Pope County with 11 points.

The Cougars will NCOE in the championship game at 8:30 Saturday night. Pope County will Galatia for the third place in the game prior.