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WHEELING - Wheeling Park coach Michael Jebbia knew his team would find itself in a precarious position at some point this season. Friday night's opening game of the Cancer Research Classic at Wheeling Jesuit University's Alma Grace McDonough Center against Wheeling Central didn't appear to qualify, at least not through three quarters.

But the Maroon Knights, who have played as demanding a schedule to this point as any team in the state, finished with a 23-2 run to close regulation and force overtime, culminating in Joe Neidhardt's jumper from the left baseline that knotted things at 58-58.

But Bubby Goodwin scored nine of the Patriots' 15 overtime points as they escaped with a 73-64 victory, their second of the season against the Maroon Knights (1-4).

''We'll take it,'' a relieved Jebbia said. ''A win's a win, and you're going to have adversity at times throughout the year.

''I know we didn't do some things well, but you've got to give them credit for their comeback.''

It seemed next to impossible after Wheeling Park closed the third on a 14-2 run, then opened the fourth with a bucket from Kevin Kuca for a 52-33 lead. The margin eventually grew to 21 on another bucket from Kuca, who finished with nine points and three steals.

But that's when the Knights woke up. Back-to-back 3-pointers from Zack Hood (12 points) and Jordan Sorge (13 points, 10 assists) started the game-ending surge.

''When two weeks ago they pounded us by 35, to come back out and force it into overtime?'' Central coach Mel Stephens asked rhetorically. ''And even halfway through the fourth quarter we looked like we were dead.

''But to those kids' credit, they showed a lot of heart out there.

''They came out and battled, and I am proud of their effort.''

The teams traded baskets to begin the extra session, with Goodwin knocking down a jumper for two of his 17, and Jack Weishar (team-high seven boards) netting two of his 11 for Central. In fact, all five Maroon Knights starters scored in double figures.

But Goodwin scored again for a two-point lead, and Vondel Bell tipped a missed Richard Hall free throw out to Goodwin for another possession that ultimately ended with a power drop step and score from Marqez O'Neal for a 64-60 lead with 1:37 remaining. O'Neal was unstoppable for large stretches, scoring a game-high 20 points on 8 of 11 shooting.

''They made a couple plays down the stretch,'' Stephens said. ''I thought the offensive rebound they got on the free throw in overtime is what turned the tide a little bit.

''Then we had to start fouling and we couldn't keep the ball out of Bubby's hands. He's pretty much automatic when he gets to the line.''

Goodwin, though he finished with seven assists and three steals to go along with the 17 points, had a tough night through regulation. He had only two points at the half and eight through four quarters, but put the Patriots (4-0) on his back in the extra session.

''It took Bubby a little while to get going, but late in that overtime he wanted the basketball and he made some good decisions,'' Jebbia said.

As Stephens alluded to, the Patriots iced the game with a 7-for-9 effort at the free-throw line.

Richard Hall added 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals in the victory. Shane Greskevitch led the Maroon Knights with 15 points.