he Blytheville Chickasaws (15-11, 11-7) finished the regular season strong Thursday as they defeated the Marion Patriots 69-64. "I like finishing games. We've finished three games in a row finishing out close ball games. Something we had a little rough stretch there in the middle of the season, closing out games. We lost five games where we had the lead with two minutes to go, so closing out three games in a row and one on the road [Thursday night] so I'm proud of that," said BHS head coach McKenzie Pierce. "Guys, we, did a much better job handling the ball against pressure and controlling the pace there at the end of the game...Came out with a win on the road; can't be upset." The Chicks led the whole first quarter as they took a 16-13 lead into the second quarter. The Patriots tied the game with three seconds left in the first half at 33. MHS held its first lead early in the second half as the Patriots scored two early buckets bringing the score to 37-33. However, a Winston Peace three-pointer and a Treay Jamison free throw tied the game at 37 with 6:21 left in the third. The Chicks and Patriots then went back and forth until Jaquon Fowler and Peace drained back-to-back three-pointers. Fowler committed a foul with 3:08 left and was unhappy with the call and was issued a technical. After the Patriots missed both free throws, Peace took a charge and Tony Newmy, Jr. increased the Chicks lead with a three-pointer of his own to give the Chicks a seven-point lead. After a Patriots' point, Newmy hit another three-pointer to give the Chicks a 52-44 lead. The Chicks led 54-50 at the end of the third. Chickasaw sophomore Curtis Smith took over in the final quarter of play as he scored nine of his 13 points. The Chicks held on for a 69-64 victory. The Chickasaws had four players in double figures with Peace leading the way with 18 points. Newmy chipped in 14 points and Jareous Haynes added 12 points. "They're going to continue to take charges. I think we've had three games in a row where we've taken at least five charges. Obviously, that's three games in a row that you win, so obviously that's good," Pierce explained. "Had four guys in double figures. Just kind of moving the ball and sharing the rock makes us hard to guard. Curtis [Smith], a sophomore, stepped up playing well; guys playing well at the right time. Winston [Peace] with 18, Jareous [Haynes] with 12, Tony [Newmy] with 14 and Curt with 13. So good balanced performance and that's always good." The Lady Chickasaws (5-19, 3-15) were defeated 64-36 by the Lady Patriots. MHS led 35-16 at the half over the Lady Chicks. Alvindavia Lockett led the way for the Lady Chickasaws with 11 points. Laurisa Campbell chipped in nine points.