In an valiant effort against the third-ranked team in Class 5, Webb City was outscored 23-12 by Willard (15-1) in the final frame as the Tigers pulled away.

"I thought we did a pretty good job throughout the course of the game," Cardinals coach Lance Robbins said on the radio broadcast. "We knew coming in Willard would be a tough matchup for us. They've got very good guard play. They don't have a lot of size, but they spread the floor and space it so well. They move the ball well offensively, which is why they're having the success they're having."

The Tigers started fast with a 20-10 advantage after the first period, but the Cardinals trimmed the deficit to 33-28 at the break before trading buckets in the third quarter. Willard shot 50% (29 of 58) from the floor and finished with four players in double figures — Jada Holloman (16), Kailyn Washington (15), Addy Adamson (14) and Brielle Adamson (13).

Jaydee Duda posted a game-high 18 points to lead Webb City (6-9) in scoring. The Cardinals hosts Branson at 6 p.m. Friday.