Three-point shots were not the Wolverines’ friend on Friday night, as Madison played long ball to defeat Polk County 77-76, in overtime at Madison.

Missed foul shots toward the game’s end also hurt the Wolverines.

The Wolverines (4-3) enjoyed a 60-43 lead after three quarters, but managed just four more points in regulation, while the Patriots netted 21 to tie the game at 64, forcing overtime.

Jamal Tanner led Polk with 20 points, with teammates Anthony Carson (16), Jaron Bontrager (14), Sequan Miller (11) also reaching double figures.

The Wolverines led 64-61 just before the end of the fourth quarter, but Madison’s Tyler McDevitt, canned a three-point shot at the buzzer to force overtime. After Miller’s foul shot in OT, Polk led 73-66, and led, 74-68, after Tanner went one for two at the stripe. Polk had  plenty more chances at the free-throw line, however, they made only three of 10 in the last minute.

Polk still led 76-74 with three seconds on the clock, when McDevitt sank another three-pointer.

Inbounding the ball at the Patriots’ end of the court, Polk could only get close enough for a half-court-plus, at-the-buzzer toss that clanked harmlessly off the backboard.

In spite of the final, Polk once more displayed great ability, including a number of blocked shots on would-be Madison scorers late in the game.

McDevitt (20 points) and Daniel Nash (21), paced the Patriots.

“We didn’t box out, and we didn’t make foul shots,” lamented Polk coach Josh McEntire.

“We just have to learn from this,” McEntire continued. “We’ve played seven games, and had five practices. (But) give them (the Patriots) credit.”

Of McDevitt’s two late bombs, “They were huge,” McEntire noted.

Last Wednesday, the Wolverines topped East Henderson, 69-52. This evening (Tuesday), they visit North Buncombe. On Friday, Dec. 20 they host Mountain Heritage.