MARION — The Marion Wildcats used an 11-1 run early in the fourth quarter to take the lead then held off Mt. Vernon 50-47 in the final regular season game for both teams.

The Rams rallied, getting as close as two at 49-47 on a long 3-pointer from Colin McClure with 14 seconds left. After Venson Newsom split a pair of free throws to make it 50-47, Mt. Vernon had a chance to tie in the closing seconds, but Cooper Hemby’s attempt from beyond the arc did not fall.

Evan Noelle scored 13 of his game high 18 points in the second half to spark the Wildcats. Senior Rayzhaun Bardo added 12. Marion held Rams’ star big man NJ Benson to 14 points, including no field goals and only two free throws in the decisive fourth quarter.

Mt. Vernon is No. 5 seed at the Centralia 3A Regional and will face No. 4 Herrin in the semifinals Wednesday. Marion is the No. 6 seed at the Richland County 3A Regional and will face No. 3 Mascoutah Wednesday in the semis.