PARK HILLS, Mo. — Mineral Area, Mo. surprised the No. 18 ranked Barton Cougar men 70-66 with a closing 11-5 offensive burst.

Barton's Noah Williams converted back-to-back baskets for a 61-59 lead with 1:55 left. 

But Mineral Area took charge with an 8-0 burst in 45 seconds for a 67-61 lead. Edwon Duling scored four points, two off a 'soft' loose ball foul against Aris Rodriguez, and baskets by Terron Garrett and Maki Joyner. The Cougars committed two turnovers and had three shots blocked.

A basket by Barton's Mikey Williams made it 68-66, but Garrett converted two clinching free throws.

Barton's Aris Rodriguez (15), Blake Rucker (12) and Mikey Wiliams (11) scored in double figures. Mineral Area's Nazir Allen contributed 23 points and a trio of late-game blocks. Garrett added 19 points.

Barton raced to a 17-7 advantage. Mineral Area'responded with an 11-0 scoring run. The Cougars closed the half strong, finishing on an 11-2 run for a 33-26 halftime lead.

The Cardinals used a 12-2 surge to lead 40-37. Barton answered with four 3-pointers two by Blake Rucker for a 53-53 tie.

The Cougars (2-1) play State Fair, Mo. at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the newly renovated Fleske Fieldhouse.

BC 33 33 — 66 

MA 26 44 — 70

BARTON (2-1)—Rodriguez 15, Rucker 12, Mikey Williams 11, Ramirez, Muchitsch, Chuoi, Noah Williams, Byrd, Mbala, Totals 66

MINERAL AREA (1-2) Nazir Allen 9-15 (4-6) 1-1 23, Terron Garrett 7-15 (1-7) 4-6 19, Duling 2-7 (0-3) 4-4 8, Binion 2-5 (0-1) 0-0 4, Ruey 1-5 (0-2) 0-0 2, Joyner 2-5 (0-1) 1-2 5,  Shields 1-2 0-0 2, Smith 1-5 (1-1) 0-0 3, Richard 0-2 (0-1) 0-2 0, Rogers 2-5 (0-1) 0-0 4, Totals 27-66 (6-23) 10-15 70

Rebounds—BC (Muchitsch 10), MA (Garrett 10). Assists—MA 11 (Duling 3, Stewart 3). Steals— BC; MA 6 (Allen 3)