The Hudsonville boys basketball team opened its season in thrilling fashion, going to double overtime in its first game Friday night. The Eagles let a fourth-quarter lead slip away, but escaped with a 69-61 win over East Grand Rapids.
The Pioneers led 11-7 after the opening quarter before Hudsonville rallied to take a 21-19 lead into the locker room at halftime. The Eagles extended the lead to 34-26 after three quarters.
East Grand Rapids used a pressure defense to cut the Hudsonville lead down to two in the final seconds of regulation. The Pioneers missed a last second shot, but Hudsonville was called for a loose ball foul with just .2 seconds remaining. The Pioneers sank both free throws to send the game to overtime at 51-51.
Hudsonville again held a late lead in the extra session, holding a two-point lead with under 30 seconds left. East Grand Rapids again drew even, scoring on a layup off an inbound play to force a second overtime.
The Eagles controlled the second OT with an 11-3 advantage to pull off the win.
Mason Dykstra provided a huge offensive performance for Hudsonville with 30 points. He also grabbed six rebounds. Aden Zank scored 10 for the Eagles.
Hudsonville begins the season 1-0, while East Grand Rapids falls to 0-2.