The basketball Owls advanced to the finals this morning of the KSA Events Holiday Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida, following a 61-59 win over Quaker Valley (PA) 

MUS (9-4) trailed much of the first half as the Quakers made 5 three-pointers in that first stanza while the Owls shot only 27.6% from the floor. But the Owls hit 9 of 10 free throws to stay close and ultimately tie the score at 29 at the break.

Quaker Valley (7-2) jumped on the Owls to start the second half, leading the entire third quarter and building as much as an 8-point lead. But the Owls closed that gap to 2 on a John Painter basket late in the quarter. Then, to start the fourth quarter, Kendon Leakes's three-pointer gave the Owls the lead that they never relinquished, ultimately holding on to the 2-point win.

Four Owls scored in double figures, led by senior Bo Echols's 14 points and 14 rebounds. Seniors Miller Griesbeck and Leakes added 11 points each, and senior Ehi Ataga had 10 points and 3 assists. Junior Charles Snider also contributed 11 rebounds, a career high.

With the win, MUS plays in the bracket finals tomorrow against Musselman (WV) High School at 1:30 p.m. CST.

#GoOwls