Playing at home Saturday night, the Waterloo High School boys basketball team started out in an early 10-0 hole against a Pinckneyville team that recently handed Gibault its only loss of the season thus far.

But coach CJ Cruser’s Bulldogs used their trademark style of tenacious defense and timely shooting to climb back into the game, trailing 20-17 at halftime.

The teams played evenly in a well-played third quarter, and Pinckneyville took a slim 30-27 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs made their move in the final frame, tying the game at 36 with just four minutes remaining. Waterloo willed its way to a one-point lead in the game’s final minute, but two late fouls put Pinckneyville on the free throw line with a chance to change that.

Waterloo’s Zach Schaab came up with two key rebounds to seal a 44-41 win for his team.

With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 5-5 on the season.

Rick Wiegand led the way in scoring for Waterloo with 11 points, including 6-for-10 shooting at the free throw line. Schaab added 9 points.

Gibault wins again

Also on Saturday, the Gibault Catholic High School boys basketball team improved to 11-1 on the season with a 65-56 road win at Civic Memorial.

Wes Degener turned in another stellar outing, leading the Hawks with 23 points. Nick Row added 16 points.

As a team, Gibault shot 8-for-13 from three-point range during the game.