The Mathews High School varsity boys' basketball team beat the Riverheads Gladiators on Friday night in a state quarterfinal thriller, 59-56.

Mathews struggled in the early going,  trailing 32-25 at the half. The Devils took its first lead with only about 6 minutes left in the final quarter, when Braden Hunley hit a three pointer to put Mathews up 45-44. The lead was short-lived though, as Riverheads responded with its own three pointer.

Tae Legette goes up for a basket in Friday night's win.

Landon Green came up with a couple crucial baskets and sunk a couple free throws to help Mathews regain the lead. Caleb Thomas also came up with a pair of clutch free throws in the closing minutes.

Four MHS players ended the night in double digits, led by Caleb Thomas with 14 points.

Christian Williams ended the night with 12 points, while Nasir Thomas and Landon Green each had 10 points.

Rounding out the scoring were Tae Legette with six points, Br...