The Opp Bobcats led for a good portion of the contest, but it was Geneva who surged to a 67-57 win in Thursday night’s Class 3A, Area 3 championship in Geneva.

Opp got out to a hot start behind a pair of 3-pointers from Shawn Tillis.

Tillis’s eight points helped put the Bobcats on top 14-12 at the end of the first period.

Ethan Baker, Erik Matthews and Caleb Hinton each tacked on two points.

In the second period, the Bobcats spread the scoring around and were able to hold onto the lead throughout the period.

E. Matthews led the way for the Bobcats with four points in the second peirod.

Bryan Matthews and Tillis each finished the period with three points.

Javontae Crittenden finished the second period with two points to help give the Bobcats a 26-25 lead at halftime.

The Bobcats continued to play strong, but Geneva’s James Williams caught fire from downtown as he sank four 3-pointers to give the Panthers a 50-44 lead heading into the final period.

Hinton led the way for the Bobcats in the third period as he totaled eight points in the period.

E. Matthews was strong for the Bobcats in the third period with five points, and went 3-for-4 from the free-throw line.

Crittenden added two points for the Bobcats in the third period.

Opp never gave in, but Geneva continued to surge in the final period as they pulled out a 67-57 win.

E. Matthews finished the final period with four points.

Crittenden tacked on three points for the Bobcats.

B. Matthews and Tillis each finished the fourth period with two points.

E. Matthews led the Bobcats with 15 points.

Tillis finished the game with 13 points.

Hinton tallied 12 points and Crittenden came in with seven points.

The Bobcats will travel on Tuesday to take on Cottage Hill Christian.