OTSEGO — Dontel Highsmith’s three-point play with 3.5 seconds remaining lifted the No. 3-ranked Dowagiac boys basketball team to a 64-63 win over No. 5-ranked Otsego Tuesday night.

The win improved the Chieftains to 15-1, while he Bulldogs dropped to 12-2 following the showdown of Wolverine Conference division leaders.

Highsmith’s heroics came following a pair of free throws by Otsego standout Reid Dugan with 16.9 seconds remaining, which gave the Bulldogs a 63-61 lead.

Following a Chieftain timeout, Highsmith drove the ball to the basket and scored while being fouled on the play. He calmly sank the free throw to give Dowagiac the lead.

Otsego attempted a half-court shot, which was partially blocked and nowhere near the basket.

Highsmith led all scorers with 32 points and 10 rebounds. Davion Highsmith added 12 points and Joey Pasternak nine.

Tyler Nast paced the Bulldogs with 18 points, while Seth Dugan chipped in with 15 points. Reid Dugan added 13. The Dugan brothers combined for 31 rebounds.

The game was close throughout. Dowagiac trailed 16-15 at halftime, but tied the score at 31-31 at halftime.

Otsego grabbed a one-point lead (51-50) heading into the final eight minutes.

The Chieftains outscored the Bulldogs 14-12 in the final quarter.

 

DOWAGIAC 64

Dontel Highsmith 32, Davion Highsmith 12, Bryce Dodd 0, Kyle Solloway 0, Joey Pasternak 9, Todd McIntyre 0, D.J. Hunt 6, Tyler Clark 5. TOTALS: 22 13-19 64

OTSEGO 63

Kwanya Gilmore 4, McLane May 2, Jaeden Thompson 0, A.J. Atwater 9, Tyler Nast 18, Brady Syrek 0, Chris Pearl 2, Reid Dugan 13, Seth Dugan 15. TOTALS: 23 13-24 63

 

Dowagiac 15 31 50 64

Otsego 16 31 51 63

3-point goals: Dowagiac 7 (Do. Highsmith 2, Da. Highsmith, Pasternak 2, Hunt, Clark), Otsego 2 (Atwater, R. Dugan). Total fouls: Dowagiac 20, Otsego 18. Varsity records: Dowagiac 15-1, Otsego 12-2