Straughn’s C.J. Christopher made two free throws with 20 seconds left to help his team edge Calhoun on the road, 39-37.

With this win over Calhoun, Straughn has secured itself as the No. 3 seed in the Class 3A, Area 3 tournament.

In addition, Friday night’s win gave Straughn (7-11, 2-4) its second win of the week. Straughn beat Luverne 43-36.

“It was a tight game throughout, but we kept our composure and carried the game,” Straughn coach Todd Reynolds said.

Straughn was tied with Calhoun with 17 points apiece at halftime.

In the third quarter, Straughn outscored Calhoun 14-6.

During the final quarter of the contest, both teams went back and forth keeping it close, but it came down to free throws in the end.

“It was a battle of Calhoun trying to speed up the temp and us slowing it down,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds said Friday night’s win was a great way to close out the week.

“We have earned the right to play them again in the area tournament,” he said. “It was a tremendous win after Tuesday’s game. It’s been a very good week and I want to thank crowd for showing up as well.”

Caleb Cochran led Straughn with nine points and had nine rebounds. Chris Huggins chipped in eight.

Straughn will host Pleasant Home on Monday night.

Calhoun girls 34, Straughn girls 32

Straughn coach Scott Kinsaul said he was “proud” of his girls for not quitting Friday night despite the loss.

“We took the lead, but we couldn’t hold on to it,” he said. “They hit an off-balance shot at the buzzer.”

Kimberly Teel led Straughn with eight points.