MERKEL – Leading by 14 points midway through the second period, the May Tigers were unable to hold their lead as the Highland Hornets rallied – tallying the final eight points of the game – for a 36-33 bi-district playoff victory Monday night.

May led 14-3 after one quarter and the advantage peaked at 21-7 on a three-pointer by Luke McKenzie in the second period. Highland scored the last six points of the half to creep within 21-13 and trailed 24-22 after three frames.

A bucket from Chase Martin pushed May back in front by five points, 33-28, with just over two minutes left in the game, but the Tigers did not score again.

With 25 seconds left, Hunter Heady scored on an offensive put back to push Highland in front, 34-33. Kort Sargeant added two free throws for the Hornets with four seconds left to seal the victory.

Chase Martin led May (11-6) with 10 points and 11 rebounds followed McKenzie with eight points, Avery Willford with seven points and 14 boards, Bryson Guerrero with three points, Braden Steele and Kaysen King with two piece, and Zach Martin added a free throw.

Sargeant finished with a game-high 14 points for Highland (13-16).