The Columbus Wildcat boys’ basketball team survives and advances after they defeated the Highland Huskies 62-51 Friday night in a Class 1A District 7 play-in game. Columbus had to work to earn the playoff win, only leading by one at the end of the first quarter and seeing Highland tie the game at 22 going into halftime. But a 21-9 run in the third quarter was part of an offensive explosion in the second half that allowed the Wildcats get the win.

A huge night from senior Grant Watson lifted Columbus, pouring in a season-high 30 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Senior Daniel Martinez added eight points and five assists, while junior Tim Hills nearly put up a double-double with eight points and 10 rebounds to help the Wildcats improve to 4-18. While Highland’s season ends with a record of 1-20, Columbus moves on to the Class 1A District 7 quarterfinals Monday against WACO.