Charles Henderson fought back from a five-point deficit and poor shooting just to watch its three point lead evaporate in the final minute of a 40-38 loss to Luverne on Thursday.

The Trojans (7-7) took a 38-35 lead, their first since midway through the second quarter, on DeQuante Shockley’s rebound a lay-in with 2:53 remaining in the contest. That would be their final basket, however, as Luverne’s DeAnthony Rutledge knocked down a three-pointer to tie and a lay-up to win. The final blow came with just one minute left.

The Trojans had possession twice in the final 45 second but turnovers ended their chances.

The game was a tight one from the opening tip. Tyler Mitchell scored seven of the team’s first nine points including a three-pointer to tie the game a 9-9 in the first quarter.

Charles Henderson would build a five-point lead when DeVantez Jackson converted a free throw after being fouled on a made shot attempt.

Neither team would score for an extended stretch with the longest run being Charles Henderson’s 6-0 stretch late in the first quarter.

The Trojans would shoot just 6 of 12 from the free throw line.

Mitchell and Jackson each scored 12 for Charles Henderson. Devante Jordan added nine.

Charles Henderson will take on Pike County (1-13), who lost to Loveless 51-29, in the winner’s bracket consolation game tonight. The game is set for a 5 p.m. tip from the Ozark Civic Center.