The Barons didn’t shoot the ball all that well in the second quarter, but man did they play defense.

The Buckeye Valley girls basketball team scored just five points in the period, but held host Harding scoreless in what proved to be the most important eight-minute stretch of the game. BV used the 5-0 spurt to take an 18-13 halftime lead it parlayed into a 38-34 MOAC win Thursday in Marion.

The other three quarters couldn’t have been much tighter. Buckeye Valley (10-10, 4-7) and Harding (2-18, 1-10) each scored 13 points in the first quarter and 10 in the third. The Presidents won the fourth 11-10 to smooth out the scoring summary.

Hannah Cowan led a balanced Baron attack with nine points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a steal. Other BV standouts included Logan Hatcher, who finished with eight points and four boards; and Tess Hughes, who added six points and 10 rebounds.

Also: Fisher Catholic 47, Delaware Christian 29.

WRESTLING

Zach Williams picked up a thrilling 8-6 win at 126, the final match of the night, to help Hayes outlast host Bradley 33-30 in OCC action Thursday in Hilliard.

Other Pacer winners included Zach Raquepaw (major decision at 120), Emmett Cain (6-3 at 132), James White IV (11-3 at 138), Mason Sutandar (5-2 at 145), Corbin May (8-0 at 152), Carter Davidson (pin at 182) and Max Wright (pin at 195).

Big Walnut 48, Franklin Heights 27

The Golden Eagles wrapped up their OCC slate with a win over Franklin Heights Thursday night.

BW standouts included Bailey Munday (126), Josh Halbakken (145), Carson Dearth (152), Josh Parker (182) and Luke Apple (195), who all won via pins.

Also: Liberty 66, Westerville Central 13.