GRAND FORKS, ND (News Dakota.com) Call it another near miss for the Hi-Liners, only this time, it was worth two.

After roaring back from a 14-point deficit late in the second half, Valley City saw Grand Forks Central score the final 12 of the game, and dropped a 68-55 decision in Grand Forks Tuesday..

Carver Pederson scored 12 if his 15 after halftime, sparking a Hi-Liner 25-12 run that cut a 44-30 hole to 56-65 in the game’s final four minutes.

Zach Sykora led Valley City with 19, while Talon Larson, in his first start of the year, scored right in the opening half to pace the Hi-Liner start.

A stiff, physical group effort managed to keep Central all-star post Erick Paye in check, holding the 18 per-game performer to 21.  But Ross Wilber’s five triples and 22 total headlined the Knights offense, earning them a win worth two Eastern Dakota Conference points, as the matchup was the lone contest between the two teams this season.

Pederson earned Ivy Real Estate Group Player of the Game honors.

Valley City plays at West Fargo Sheyenne Friday.