In a game where neither team led by more than five points, top-seeded Humboldt kept their perfect record intact with a 41-37 win over eighth-seeded Sacred Heart in the opening round of the 3A boys state basketball tournament in Hutchinson.

The Knights scored first to go up 2-0 early in the game, but it would be their only lead in the opening period. Humboldt led by as many as four points at 7-3 and held a 9-7 advantage after the first quarter.

The teams traded the lead and were tied three more times in the second quarter before the Cubs took a 16-13 lead. The Knights reclaimed the lead 19-18 late in the period and took a 20-18 lead to halftime.

After another couple of tie scores early in the third quarter, the Knights led 23-22 and remained in the lead for a majority of the second half. Heading into the final quarter, Sacred Heart led 30-28.

The Knights never led by more than five points, but maintained the advantage until Humboldt tied the game for the seventh time at 34-34. The Knights took what would be their last lead 36-34 before the Cubs tied the game for the eighth and final time 36-36. Humboldt scored the next four points before Sacred Heart scored their final point. With the score 40-37, a Humboldt free throw with 3.2 seconds left in the game secured the win.

Humboldt improves to 24-0 and advances to the semifinal round in the 3A state tournament. After qualifying for the state tournament for the fifth time in six seasons in class 2A or 3A, Sacred Heart ends its 2012-2013 season with a record of 15-9.