Caywood's shot sends Helias past Battle

COLUMBIA - Collin Caywood hit a 3-pointer with 19 seconds to play and the Helias Crusaders held off the Battle Spartans 52-50 Monday night.

Helias led by as many as 12 in the third quarter, but Battle bounced back to take a one-point lead with 56 seconds left to play in the fourth.

It didn't matter.

Following a timeout, Caywood knocked down what turned out to be the game-winning shot to lift the Crusaders to their fourth straight victory.

Isiah Sykes scored a game-high 20 points, while Hale Hentges and Caywood both added 11 to lead Helias, which outscored Battle 20-10 in the second quarter.

The Crusaders trailed by three after the first quarter, but took a 27-22 lead into the break and entered the final period with a 40-37 lead.

Helias (4-1) will return to action at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Branson.