The Bow Valley Bobcats and Cochrane Cobras both lost their semifinal games yesterday in the South Central ASAA zone finals and are now going head-to-head for the bronze today.

An emotionally-charged Brooks Buffalo team celebrates their 43-42 win over the Bobcats.

Both semis were nailbiters that came down to the last seconds of play, but in the end, it was the top-ranked Highwood Mustangs and Brooks Buffalos that have advanced to day's gold medal game later this afternoon at Cochrane High. The winner of that match advances to the 3A provincials.

The second-ranked Bobcats were unable to hold on to its small lead late in the fourth quarter in a 43-42 loss against the emotionally-charged Buffalo. The Mustangs broke through with a 38-37 lead with four minutes remaining. Going into the last minute of play the game was tied at 40.

Cobra Natasha Gicuchi takes aim. (Photo courtesy Mike Reece)The Cobras made huge strides since first facing the Mustangs at a February tournament. The Mustangs won that game by 27 points. Their semifinal match was a one-point game for the first three quarters. The Mustangs opened a three basket lead by the last minute of play and went on to win 44-39.

Both Cochrane teams advanced to the semis after winning their quarterfinal games on Thursday night. This final game of the season will surprisingly mark only the second time they have met. The first one was won by the Bobcats in overtime.

The bronze medal game goes at 1 p.m. followed by the gold medal game at 3 p.m. Both are being held at Cochrane High.