PLANO — Like an Irish prizefighter, the Morris Redskins had the top-seeded Belvidere Bucs on the ropes Thursday afternoon at the 50th Annual Plano Boys Christmas Classic.

A pair of treys by senior guard Jason Matteson midway through the third quarter stunned the Bucs before a 1-2 combination of treys by senior guard Sam Hogan and reserve sophomore guard Austin Patterson rocked defending champ Belvidere as Morris slugged its way out to a 33-26 lead.

But the Bucs countered, utilizing their quickness to climb up off the mat and knock the Redskins out of the championship bracket via a 56-46 decision.