It was far from easy, but the Pella Christian boys basketball team got the job done Tuesday night in the Class 2A Substate 6 semifinals with a 68-65 overtime victory over Wilton that was heard live on KRLS2 at KNIAKRLS.com.

The Eagles opened the game with a three-point barrage, jumping out to a 16-4 lead with 2:46 remaining in the first quarter. Wilton responded with a 9-0 run to end the quarter and extended the run to 13-0 as they grabbed their first lead 17-16 at the 6:30 mark of the second quarter. A game of runs continued, as Pella Christian ended the half on a 17-10 spurt to grab a 33-26 advantage at the break. The two teams went back and forth after the intermission, but the Beavers narrowly outscored the Eagles 32-25 in the second half to force overtime. 

Pella Chrisitan got off to another quick start in the extra period as three-pointers from Aiden Stoltz and Tysen DeVries, and a DeVries layup gave them a 66-60 advantage with a 1:13 left in overtime. Wilton battled back to pull within 68-65 on the final possession, but their two three-pointers in the final 12 seconds were off the mark. 

Final 12 seconds of Overtime:

DeVries (22) and Stoltz (21) combined for 43 of Pella Christian’s 68 points, as the team knocked down 13 three-pointers in the win. The Eagles will take on Class 2A #6 ranked West Burlington on Saturday in the Substate Final for a spot in the State Tournament. Hear more about the Eagles’ 68-65 overtime victory over Wilton from Aiden Stoltz on tonight’s Radio Sports Page.