CENTRALIA - The eighth-seeded North Callaway Thunderbirds staged a 13-0 run in overcoming a third-quarter deficit in Thursday night's 66-58 victory over No. 5 Macon in the consolation semifinals of the Centralia Tournament.
North Callaway trailed 30-27 at halftime and was down 40-37 in the third quarter, before the Thunderbirds crafted their critical run to take a 50-42 lead into the fourth quarter.
Junior guard Justin Murphy connected for 20 points to guide the Thunderbirds (3-1), who regrouped after Tuesday night's 77-41 first-round loss to top-seeded Salisbury. Murphy made a pair of 3-pointers and was 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.
Senior guard Zach Lavy also supplied 17 points and led the Thunderbirds with 10 rebounds, six assists and five steals.
"The team played well and didn't let Tuesday night's loss affect the game," North Callaway head coach Tim Turlington said. "We had excellent contributions off the bench."
Jake Lenear responded with 16 of his game-high 22 points in the first half to direct Macon. Tyler Jackman and Trapper Troy chipped in with 11 points apiece.
The Thunderbirds will play for fifth place at 5 p.m. Saturday. North Callaway will face the winner of Thursday night's late consolation semifinal between No. 3 Sturgeon and No. 5 Paris.