Bradford boys basketball coach Damon James truly believed the game was headed to overtime.

Central’s Dustin Milz rimmed out a potential, game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer as the Red Devils defeated the Falcons, 49-46, in a non-conference game Saturday in Paddock Lake.

“(Milz) got a helluva look from the top of the key,” James said. “I thought it was going in. I let out a big sigh of relief and said ‘Let’s get out of here.’ ”

The Red Devils (3-1) led 14-4 after the first quarter and held a 20-13 advantage at halftime. However, the Falcons (0-2) battled back and grabbed a 41-38 advantage with less than four minutes remaining. Bradford reclaimed the lead on a 3-pointer from Justin Otto and held on in the final minute behind four free throws from Zack Akina.

“We played a really good second half, we just had some crucial breakdowns at the end,” Central coach Brent Mansky said. “It was a good high school basketball game. I give credit to coach James, he does a real good job with his kids. It was definitely an improvement for us.”

Akina finished with 13 points and Otto had 11. Central’s Austin Damaschke had 12 points.

Bradford committed 22 turnovers.

“We didn’t deserve to win,” James said. “We played our worst basketball game of the year. Execution and being ready down the stretch won this game.”

Central hosts Lake Geneva Badger in a Southern Lakes Conference game on Tuesday. Bradford plays at Racine Park in a Southeast Conference game on Friday.

Wilmot stumbles

Wilmot couldn’t overcome a slow start as unbeaten Waukesha West pulled away for a 49-36 victory in non-conference action.

The host Panthers (1-4) trailed 14-6 after, but was able to claw within 21-17 at the half.

“Waukesha West is a strong team and they ran their stuff well,” Wilmot coach Terry Bruton said. “Our kids had to play stronger. Once we figured that out, we did a nice job.”

Jay Christian and Landon Tenhagen had eight points apiece to lead Wilmot. Bruton also credited the play of Mitch Marks and Brendon Hayden.

Compiled by Mike Larsen and Jeffrey Zampanti