Fans could not ask for a more exciting game to tip off the boys’ basketball season than a triple-overtime game in the Gene Ford Gymnasium at Cambridge High School on Friday night. Unfortunately for Bobcat Nation, Cambridge suffered a 65-62 loss to West Muskingum.

With the score tied at 49-49 at the end of regulation, each team scored eight points in the first overtime. Jessiah Barnett drained a three-point shot a pair of free throws to score five points and send the game to the second overtime.

In the second extra period, each team managed three points with Devin Ogle scoring in the paint and Dion’Te Jones sank a free throw as the game continued at 60-60.

The Bobcats didn’t fare as well in what would be the final extra period with Barnett scoring the Bobcats’ two points as the Tornadoes scored a pair of baskets on the block and added a foul shot for good measure.

Cambridge made eight three-pointers in the first half to take a 32-30 lead to the locker room at halftime. Barnet made two in the first quarter as he tallied 10 points in the opening frame and Bradyn Gregg landed three bombs in the second quarter. Regan Rogers added a bomb in both first-half quarters while Rylee Homko-Green bulls-eyed a three in the second quarter.

West Muskingum adjusted its defense in the second half to keep the Bobcats on their heels. Cambridge only scored 17 points in the third and fourth quarters.

Barnett led the ‘Cats with 19 points while Gregg added 11 points and Ogle 10 as eight different players contributed on the scoreboard. The Bobcats struggled at the free throw line making on six of 15.

Cambridge, 0-1, plays again Tuesday when they host Indian Valley.

In junior varsity action, Cambridge defeated West Muskingum 51-26 utilizing a relentless defense to create plenty of offense. Camdyn Lauer led the Bobcats with 21 points while Gavin Guiler added seven and Tre’Vaughn Alexander six.