WALTON— After falling to a tough Unatego/Franklin team in the MAC semifinals, the Oxford Blackhawks boys’ basketball faced Walton/Downsville in the consolation round. Oxford fell 56-44 in the final game before sectionals.

The Blackhawks kept with the Crush for a majority of the game until the fourth quarter.

Oxford had a brief 39-38 lead after the third quarter, but efforts were slowed and limited in the final eight minutes.

Oxford was limited to five points within those eight minutes as Walton/Downsville increased intensity, outscoring the Blackhawks 18-5.

Gordon Smith led Oxford with 18 points, where he went five-of-seven at the free-throw line.

Kayden Renfrow added 11 points, all within the first three quarters.

Nic Dodzweit had seven points as Richard Hunter finished with five points in the first half and Justin Peck with a three-pointer in the third quarter.

Oxford earned the ninth seed in the Section IV, Class C tournament, where they travel to take on the eighth seeded Marathon Olympians. The first round sectionals game is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25 at 6 p.m.