MADISONVILLE -- The Rudder boys basketball team clinched a playoff berth and remained in the hunt for the District 24-3A championship by beating Madisonville 80-75 at Mustang Gym on Friday night.

The 23rd-ranked Rangers earned the crucial road victory with a strong fourth quarter after the game was tied at the end of three periods. Junior Domonique Robison scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, making 5 of 6 free throws.

Rudder improved to 19-7 overall and 8-2 in District 24-3A. The Rangers remained one game behind league leader Navasota, which Rudder will visit next Friday after an open date.

It is the first playoff berth for the boys basketball program, which began varsity play last season with only sophomores and freshmen.

"It's a huge confidence-builder for the kids," Rudder coach Chris Jones said. "Making the playoffs was our goal for this year. It was something that the kids really wanted and they worked hard for.

"Both teams played hard, and it was a good, physical game. We were lucky to come away with a win on the road."

Reginal Lawson led the Rangers with 22 points, including a couple of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and six treys overall. William Martin added 21 points, while Robison finished with 16 and Semaj McGruder scored 10.

Brock Taylor scored 20 points for Madisonville (17-9, 5-4), which remains in third place in the league. Howard Harris had 17 points for the Mustangs, while Jesse Carrington added 16.

Rudder 80, Madisonville 75

(Numbers indicate field goals, free throws made-attempted, fouls and points)

RUDDER (19-7, 8-2) --Jamarcus Davenport 0 0-0 3 0; Semaj McGruder 3 3-6 0 10; Michael Jones 2 0-2 4 4; Reginal Lawson 8 0-0 0 22; William Martin 8 1-2 2 21; Domonique Robison 5 5-6 4 16; Marquis Taylor 3 3-5 2 9; Londell Blue 0 0-0 3 0. Totals: 42 12-21 18 80.

MADISONVILLE (17-9, 5-4) -- Howard Harris 8 0-2 4 17; Anthony Manns 2 0-0 2 5; Jesse Carrington 8 2-3 2 16; Donald Ford 0 3-4 5 3; LaDarian Byrd 2 2-4 0 6; Jeremy Shaffer 2 3-5 3 8; Brock Taylor 10 0-4 1 20. Totals: 32 10-22 17 75.

Rudder 23 15 17 25--80

Madisonville 16 21 18 20--75