The Richland boys basketball team passed a big test Saturday night in Walla Walla, pulling out an 80-75 Mid-Columbia Conference overtime win over the Blue Devils to move into second place.

Bombers freshman guard Steven Beo had a breakout game, hitting 9 of 14 shots — including 4-of-7 from 3-point range — to lead the team with 28 points. Jacob DeVries added 17 points for Richland (8-3, 5-1 MCC).

“Beo was real solid all around,” Bombers coach Earl Streufert said. “He hit 6 of 6 free throws late in the game. That was really important.”

Walla Walla’s Tanner Cranor led all scorers with 35 points, keeping the Blue Devils (9-3, 4-2) close to the hot-shooting Bombers, who shot 50 percent (28-for-56) on the night and 10-of-22 from the 3-point arc.

“They got the ball inside to Cranor, and he had his way with us,” Streufert said. “If we had good position, he’d make a shot over us. If we weren’t in good position, he got us in foul trouble.

“We controlled him a little better in the second half.”

After Nate Streufert hit a free throw with 4.8 seconds left in regulation to put Richland up 71-69. Gabe Porter dribbled down quickly to give Wa-Hi a chance but slipped while passing off to Eric Klicker, who recovered the ball in time to sink a shot that forced an extra period.

“We made all our free throws in overtime,” coach Streufert said.

RICHLAND — Jacob DeVries 17, Crandall, McCullough, Steven Beo 28, Radliff 13, Hilty 7, Streufert 12, Wheeler 3, Miller. Totals 28-56 14-20 80.
WALLA WALLA — Toon 2, Klicker 15, Porter 8, Thonney 1, Eggert 1, Arias 8, Gilmore 5, Tanner Cranor 35, Warinner. Totals 28-49 17-25 75.
Richland 19 19 17 16 9 — 80
Walla Walla 14 15 18 24 4 — 75
Highlights — Cranor 7 rebs; Eggert 4 assists; Mason Hilty 5 assists; Nathan Streufert 6 rebs.