Demons fall short in final SEC game

The Washington boys basketball team dropped its final Southeast Conference game of the season Friday. The Demons fell narrowly 64-56 to Burlington on the road.

A big third quarter got Washington back in it after it trailed 32-22 at halftime. After being held to just nine points in the second quarter, Washington won the third 16-10 and cut Burlington’s lead to one on two occasions early in the fourth.

Timely buckets by the Grayhounds ultimately kept the game out of reach for the Demons. Burlington stretched the lead to eight with 90 seconds remaining after cashing in back-to-back Washington turnovers. The Demons finished with 18 giveaways and surrendered 22 points in the fourth quarter after holding Burlington to 18 or fewer in each of the previous three stanzas.

Kael Williams had a strong outing for Washington with 20 points on 8 of 11 shooting, including two made 3-pointers. The senior also led the Demons with eight rebounds.

Nic Stone and Rajan Roth were also in double figures with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Roth added five rebounds, one assist, three steals and two blocks. Stone had one rebound, one assist and a steal.

Drew Conrad finished with seven points, three boards, six assists and a steal. Tate Greiner had six points, four assists and a steal.

Washington ends SEC play with a 4-6 record. The Demons finished in fourth place behind Keokuk (10-0), Burlington (8-2) and Mt. Pleasant (5-5).

The Demons will get another chance to take down the Grayhounds after two regular season losses. Washington drew Burlington in the Class 3A Substate 5 playoffs. The Grayhounds received the No. 4 seed and will host the No. 5 seed Demons on Feb. 23.