There was a time when things didn’t look very promising for the Amherst boys’ basketball team.

The Falcons saw their 11-point lead over Stratford whittled to five with a minute to play Thursday, March 8, in a Division 4 sectional semifinal in Schofield.

Amherst had taken a 41-30 lead over the Tigers on a Steve Maves basket with 2:50 remaining, but Stratford cut the lead to 43-38 on Derek Austin’s three-pointer with 1:00 to play. However, Stratford never scored again and the Falcons went on to a 53-38 win.

The Falcons trailed 10-7 after one quarter and 21-18 at halftime, but outscored the Tigers 15-4 in the third quarter. Amherst used an 11-0 run to take a 33-25 lead into the fourth quarter.

Willie Doll, who was held to a pair of free throws in the first half, scored nine of his team-high 13 points in the third quarter. The Falcons outrebounded the Tigers 28-20 and committed only six turnovers.

Amherst improved to 19-6 on the season and will take on Oshkosh Lourdes (22-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 10, in a sectional final in Antigo. The winner will advance to state.