FAYETTEVILLE — A nine-point effort in overtime was just what the Liberty Patriots needed to knock off Highland Rim on Thursday night.

After Highland Rim rallied in the second half to force overtime, the Patriots were able to do enough work at the line and connect on a clutch three-pointer to help claim the 51-45 win.

The Patriots' offense started hot with Jason Cullum recording all 14 points in the first quarter.

Liberty followed with 14 more points in the second quarter but recorded four treys in the process to build a 28-17 lead at the half.

Highland Rim answered the bell in the second half of regulation and outscored the Patriots 25-14, leaving the score deadlocked at 42 apiece.

In overtime, the Patriots connected on 4 of 6 attempts at the line and got a key three-pointer from Jacob McGee to secure the six-point win.

Cullum went on a tear throughout the contest and dropped 29 points to lead the Patriots.

As a team, the Patriots were effective from the perimeter and connected on six three-pointers to balance the inside attack.

Liberty will get a lengthy break but will return to action on November 30 at Blanche.

Liberty 14 14 6 8 9 — 51

Highland Rim 7 10 13 12 3 — 45

Liberty: Jason Cullum 29, Jacob McGee 6, Jack Conditt 6, Braxton Landers 5, Miles McCullough 3, Mason Shavers 2.

Highland Rim: Maddox Franklin 16, Rhett Persell 11, Aiden Harnden 6, Colton Tate 6, Ian Weaver 6.

3-Point goals: Liberty (6): McGee 2, Conditt 2, McCullough, Cullum; Highland Rim (8): Franklin 4, Harnden 2, Weaver 2.

Halftime score: Liberty 28, Highland Rim 17.