The Golden Eagles boys’ basketball team wrapped-up a short 2-game road-trip at Sparta in non-conference play Tuesday night. Both teams were coming off losses from last week, and were pretty evenly matched going into the contest.

The Spartans led most of the game, and led by as many as 7-points a few times, but Mauston kept fighting back. There were a few lead changes throughout the night, but Mauston was never able to take control of the game. Sparta led 13-10 after the first quarter, and led 25-23 at halftime.

The Spartans took a 36-29 lead into the fourth quarter, before junior Joel Heesch busted out for 17-points in the fourth for Mauston. Senior Mitchel Pauley kept the Spartans in it with 14-points of his own in the fourth quarter. The Golden Eagles had a 2-point lead late in the fourth, but Sparta answered to tie the game at 54. Mauston had a chance for the win with 12-seconds to go in regulation, but a turnover on the inbounds pass gave the Spartans the final shot which was off the mark. The Golden Eagles tried to get off one last shot at the buzzer, or at least get a foul called against Sparta, but time ran out as the game was sent into overtime.

The Spartans were able to take the lead in OT, and sealed the game away from the free-throw line making 7 of 8. Free-throws were the difference in the game as Mauston shot just 50% from the line making 13 of 26, while Sparta shot an impressive 84% making 22 of 26.

The Spartans were led by Pauley who finished with 29-points. Also leading the way were seniors Levi Spaeth who had 16-points and Clay Langan who added 13-points. Senior Garrett Geier finished with 4-points, and senior Isaac Schauf added a three-pointer off the bench.

Mauston was led by Heesch who finished with a career high 42-points on the night. Seniors Jack Orton and Taylor Ingraham both added 6-points a piece, while junior Hunter Nelson had 3-points, and junior Ross Thompson finished with 2-points.

The Golden Eagles fall to 8-6 overall as Sparta improves to 8-6. Mauston will begin a 3-game home-stand Friday night as they start the second-half of their conference schedule with a rematch against the Wautoma Hornets.