ESSEX -- The Bernie Mules improved to 11-9 on the season as Marcus Massey exploded for 29 points -- including 10 in the pivotal third period to propel Bernie to a 70-61 victory over Richland.
Massey also scored nine of the Mules' 13 second-quarter points as he proved to be the difference in the contest.
"Marcus Massey played outstanding," said Bernie coach Brad Botsch. "He really took over for us, and we need him to step up more every game. He was a monster tonight, and he has to have big games for us every night the rest of the way."
Bernie took a 23-18 lead after the first stanza and boosted it to 17 points after three before the Rebels mounted a late charge led by senior Cameron Whittaker and freshman Drew Thornton.
Whittaker put up seven of his team-high 19 points in the final frame, while Thornton dropped in eight of his 11 in the period as Richland held a 24-16 in the fourth.
However, Zach Curry tallied six of his 14 points for the Mules in the last eight minutes to help Bernie secure the win.
"We played better defense tonight," said Botsch. "Our effort was better in every facet. I think consistent play on the defensive end of the floor is the key to our success and then pushing the ball and scoring in transition.
"We have to keep pushing forward to get ready for district play. Every practice, every game, every day will be tougher, but we have a goal in mind and we hope to achieve it."
The junior varsity Mules made it a clean sweep as Jake Welch scored 14 points in a 52-39 victory.
Quinton Stevens added 11 points and Jake Owens tossed in 10 for the Mules.
Next up for Bernie is their homecoming game on Friday as the Bloomfield Wildcats come to town.
BLOOMFIELD -- Kyle Williamson poured in a game-high 25 points as the Bloomfield Wildcats rolled to a 70-55 victory over the Greenville Bears Tuesday night.
Bloomfield (6-13) took a 20-14 lead after the first period of play, but the Bears cut it to 29-27 at the half before a 23-12 third-quarter eruption essentially gave the game to the 'Cats.
Kurt Dumey scored 15 points in the win, while teammate Cody Smith added 13.
Corey Keele and Kyle Randolph led Greenville with 22 and 10 points, respectively.
The junior varsity Wildcats improved to 9-5 on the year with a 65-34 rout as Leighton Hensley scored 17 points and Corey Smith tallied 14.
The Wildcats play at Bernie Friday night.
HAYTI -- Bell City overcame a slow start to win its 16th straight game.
Austin Segers and Will Bogan led the Cubs (20-4) with 14 points apiece. Nick Niemczyk and Phillip Gross added 12 points apiece.
The Cubs host the Delta Bobcats Tuesday at 6 p.m.