Class B boys: Tyler Tune puts up 39 points, 21 rebounds to lead Arnett to state championship

“I thought, ‘oh crap’ we were going to relive last year, getting our butts kicked,” Tune said. “But we hung in there and came out the second half and pushed the ball and got on top.”

Arnett opened the third quarter with a 12-2 run to quickly get back into the game. By the end of the third period, Coyle was clinging to a one-point lead.

When Tune opened the fourth quarter with a layup, the Wildcats had their first lead since 5-4 in the first period.

The lead exchanged hands twice more before Arnett seized it for good, 55-54, on another Tune bucket. The Wildcats then outscored Coyle 16-6 down the stretch.

“They had the momentum and we couldn’t get it stopped,” said Coyle coach Josh Sumrall. “They got tougher, both mentally and physically.”

Bryant said Arnett coach Allen Tune told the team at halftime to keep running.

“We pushed the ball and it paid off,” he said. “They got tired.”

Bryant, a senior, said during the post-game celebration that the sting of last year’s blowout loss to Forgan didn’t completely go away with Saturday night’s incredible win, “but it definitely helps.”