Hayden’s boys basketball team found itself in a hole Thursday night — a very big hole.

The sixth-ranked Wildcats were down by two dozen points early in the third quarter of their game against visiting Dora.

But somehow, the Cats clawed their way back by dominating the defensive boards and holding the Bulldogs to just six field goal attempts in the third quarter, as they eventually fought their way to a 72-70 victory in overtime.

Down by three with the clock winding down in regulation time, Colton Shirley hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key with less than five seconds to play, sending the game into extra time.

Hayden went on a 9-2 run to start overtime, but Dora ate away at the margin. However, the Dogs missed a jump shot at the buzzer, and the Wildcats escaped with the win.

Shirley and Leonard Johnson each scored 22 points for Hayden (8-2); Johnson also grabbed 10 rebounds. Dylan Bradford added 16 points.

Kelan Bell led Dora (8-2) with 20 points, Tyreke Bell put in 14 (with a perfect 10-of-10 at the foul line) and Steven Smith scored 13, hitting 3-of-6 treys.

Locust Fork 60, Curry 38: In Thursday’s first round of the Corner Christmas Tournament, the Hornets broke away in the second quarter to take a big lead that they did not relinquish.

Jacob Hancock led Locust Fork (8-3) with Daniel Goss contributing nine. Payton Hill led Curry with 14 points.

Corner 46, Sipsey Valley 38: Like the Hornets, the Yellow Jackets ran away in the second quarter of their tournament opener.

Skylar Lara paced Corner (8-5) with 10 points, and Drennen Hutchins scored nine. Dairi Smith led Sipsey with 17.

Corner plays Locust Fork in Friday’s semifinals, scheduled for 8 p.m.

Walker 52, No. 10 (5A) Mortimer Jordan 48: Down most of their first-round game, the Vikings put up a press against the Blue Devils late in the game, and Isiah Cox scored 10 of his game-high 20 points in the final period to spur his team to a comeback win.

Josh Moon led the Devils (5-4) with 14 points, all but two scored in the first half.

Jordan plays a consolation-round semifinal at Corner, scheduled for 5 p.m.

GIRLS

Hayden 57, Dora 34: The Wildcats overcame 12 second-half turnovers to coast to the vin.

Evin Bibb scored 13 points and swiped seven steals for Hayden (7-3). Brooke Meadows added 10 points and Micayla Rickels had 10 rebounds.

Madison Clayton led the Bulldogs (2-7) with 14 points.