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West Valley City • Stephan Holm couldn't explain what made his shots go in — the contested layup in the final minute of regulation, either of his 3-pointers in overtime — but he knew what he felt.

"We didn't want to lose," Holm said. "We've been through a lot of adversity in region, and we just didn't want to lose."

The junior forward was the hero with 23 points, forcing two overtimes before Nathan Erickson's free throws put No. 4-seeded Riverton atop Region 2 champion Viewmont in a 52-51 thriller Tuesday night at the Class 5A boys' basketball tournament at Maverik Center.

It was a topsy-turvy game that both teams fought for with fury. The Vikings led most of the way before letting Riverton back in the contest, but knocked down free throws in the first overtime to regain control. But Holm simply wouldn't let go, closing the gap to 44-43 with a 3-pointer before taking a buzzer-beating shot from the left wing to tie the game at 46.

"It's kind of a blur at this point," coach Steve Galley said. "I'm really proud. It's just gutty."

Tevita Loamanu followed up the momentum swing with a pair of buckets in double overtime to give the Silverwolves a 50-49 lead. Erickson was fouled after picking up a defensive rebound, and the role player was the picture of calm as he sunk both his free throws.

Viewmont would get four more shots at the foul line, but only made two. Riverton inbounded the ball to senior point guard D McCleary, who finished with 14 points of his own, to win the game.

McCleary and Holm were Riverton's main threat throughout the game, combining to go 8 for 16 from 3-point range. The Silverwolves were almost forced to turn to their perimeter offense because of Viewmont's tough zone defense — luckily the duo delivered.

Viewmont led by as much as 13 in a one-sided first half, but Riverton started its run that continued into the second half. With 45 seconds left in regulation, Holm was fouled on a layup that gave him a game-tying 3-point play. Riverton had the chance at the final shot of regulation but missed.

The Vikings were led by Haden Heath, who finished with 13 points but fouled out in overtime.