The Van-Far boys were dealing with adversity before Thursday’s game.

The Indians’ game at Louisiana became their season opener after most of the roster made a run to the football state quarterfinals. Through injuries and less practice, Van-Far beat Eastern Missouri Conference foe Louisiana 63-59 in overtime. 

Van-Far fell behind 12-4 to start the game and then trailed 24-18 at halftime. The Indians outscored Louisiana (0-2) in the third and fourth quarters and the overtime period. 

“They were beating us up and down the floor, beating us on effort plays and we were tired and very sloppy,” head coach Pat Connaway said. “In the second quarter, we began to grind and cut into the lead, but ultimately, foul trouble and tired legs had a major effect on us throughout the half.”

Connaway said point guard Gaven Gaston was “70 percent” coming off a hamstring injury sustained in Van-Far football’s season finale and said Pacey Reading, Gibson Condie and Evan Utterback were others dealing with injuries from football season. Still, Reading finished with 25 points and six rebounds, Utterback had 19 points, Bryce Reading added nine points and Gaston posted seven points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Van-Far also converted when it had to at the free throw line after allowing a bucket with 1.2 seconds left in regulation, Connaway said. The Indians shot 12-for-16 from the line in the fourth quarter and overtime while Louisiana was 3-for-7 during the same time. Louisiana did outrebound Van-Far 30-24. 

“We literally stole a road win and that is what good teams do,” Connaway said. “You figure out a way to win when you are not at your best.  We have to get in basketball shape, stop turning the ball over and start hitting the boards, which should be our strength, and we will be OK moving forward.”