Free State’s boys basketball team ended up on the wrong end of a defensive battle during its third game in as many days.

The Firebirds dropped a 44-39 decision to Bishop Carroll in the championship game of the McPherson Invitational on Saturday. FSHS, which scored 12 total points in the first half, mounted a late comeback bid after scoring 17 points in the third period.

Bishop Carroll (No. 1 in Class 5A) ultimately made enough stops down the stretch to hold off Free State (8-3, No. 9 in Class 6A) in the 56th annual McPherson Invitational. Seniors Olin Yoder and DK Middleton both were named to the all-tournament team after helping lead the Firebirds to the championship game.

In the final game of the weekend, Ethan Lincoln and Andrew Piper each finished with 8 points to lead Free State. Miles Branch added 7 points as well. Sophomore point guard Mozae Downing paced the team with five assists.

Free State will host Mill Valley at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Free State 7 5 17 10 — 39

Bishop Carroll 8 14 14 8 — 44

Free State (39)

Kris Daniels 1-2 0-0 3, Mozae Downing 0-3 1-3 1, Ethan Lincoln 3-8 0-0 8, Wyatt Durland 0-0 0- 0, DK Middleton 0-5 3-8 3, Andrew Piper 3-6 2-2 8, Alyus Wisdom 0-0 0-0 0, Dash Hawkins 1-1 0-0 3, Olin Yoder 2-6 0-0 6, Miles Branch 3-7 1-1 7. Totals: 13-38 7-14 39.

Bishop Carroll (44)

Max Bullinger 1-2 0-0 3, Brenyn St. Vrain 1-3 0-0 2, Luke Larkin 2-5 1-2 7, Carter Reid 2-4 0-0 4, Lorenzo Barles 0-0 0-0 0, Tanner Mans 0-0 2-2 2, Alex Littlejohn 5-10 0-0 10, Justin Powell 0-2 1-2 1, Enrique Lankford 6-10 0-0 15, Preston Rottinghaus 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 17-36 4-6 44.