KARNS CITY — Karns City just couldn't brush off those pesky Clarion-Limestone Lions.

Then came the fourth quarter.

Leading C-L 42-33 as the final eight minutes began, Karns City's boys basketball team dominated the final period in a 58-38 victory Thursday night.

The win helps the Gremlins (15-5, 13-3) keep their hopes for a Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference title alive.

C-L missed its first 10 field goal attempts of the fourth quarter, and, when Karns City's Cameron Turner sank a bucket with 2:38 left, the Gremlins held a commanding 52-33 lead.

"We went to a man-to-man defense in the second half," said KC coach Steve Andreassi. "But we hadn't played man in a while, and we gave up 17 points in the third quarter.

"In the fourth quarter, we settled down and didn't give up any points until late."

The Gremlins' domination also featured a 43-25 advantage in rebounds, including 14-6 in the fourth period.

"It was a combination of things," said Lions coach Joe Ferguson of his team's dismal finish. "Our intensity level was low and we weren't disciplined on offense and that led to poor shot selection."

Karns City's rout of C-L came without the Gremlins' leading scorer, senior forward Mike Senopole (12.6 points per game), who did not play for disciplinary reasons.

But Turner made sure his teammate's absence did not cost the team by recording 20 points and 15 rebounds, including 12 points in the second half.

"He'd struggled a bit the past few games, but he kind of broke out of that tonight," Andreassi said.

Leading 26-16 at halftime, the Gremlins' offense did not commit a turnover in the third quarter and made 6 of 13 field goal attempts to end with 16 points in the period.

But the Lions (7-14, 5-12), who were sluggish offensively in the other three quarters, also found their groove in the third period.

Led by Jaye Dulavitch's eight points, C-L made 8-of-11 field goal attempts for 72.7 percent in the quarter to keep the game close.

"In the games we've won, we've been able to set the tempo," said Ferguson. "Our defense is the key to getting our offense going. But Karns City played great transition ball tonight."

Karns City is battling Clarion for the top spot in the KSAC's Eastern Division. The Gremlins will host the Bobcats (16-5, 13-3) next Thursday, with Senopole back on the floor.

CLARION-LIMESTONE 38Ryan Reddinger 0 1-2 1, Brent Rhoades 4 2-2 12, Jaye Dulavitch 6 0-0 12, Adam Plucinski 1 2-2 5, Jesse Zahoran 1 0-0 2, Adam Yeany 1 0-0 2, C.J. Hedson 1 0-0 2, Ryan Raybuck 1 0-0 2, Cam Schirmer 0 0-0 0.

Totals: 15 5-6 38.

KARNS CITY 58Cory Terwilliger 1 0-0 3, Mike McConnell 1 2-2 5, Cameron Turner 8 4-6 20, Matt McConnell 4 0-0 10, Kody Craig 3 0-0 6, Trevor Williams 3 0-1 6, Dan Everetts 1 0-0 2, Kevin Beck 3 0-1 6, Cody Williams 0 0-0 0, Jon Burns 0 0-0 0, Chris Harmon 0 0-0 0.

Totals: 24 6-10 58.M

C-Limestone 8 8 17 5—38Karns City 13 13 16 16—583-point goals: Clarion-Limestone 3 (Brent Rhoades 2, Plucinski); Karns City 4 (Matt McConnell 2, Terwilliger, Mike McConnell)

JV: Clarion-Limestone 60-51

Saturday: Karns City at DuBois Central Catholic