For much of their Dec. 6 meeting with Odessa, the Tigers seemed poised to get their first win of the varsity boys basketball season. Then, the fourth quarter happened. Leading 50-42, the Excelsior Springs boys watched as their offense stalled. Odessa capitalized, taking the lead and eventually handing Excelsior Springs a 61-57 defeat in Husker Classic action at Higginsville. Excelsior Springs led for much of the way. The Tigers and Bulldogs traded leads during the first quarter, with Odessa leading 15-14 at quarter’s end. Excelsior Springs responded by edging Odessa 1813 the second quarter to lead 32-28 at halftime. The Tigers pushed their lead to eight early in the third quarter and led by seven (49-42) entering the final quarter. They staked their 50-42 lead with a free throw early in the fourth quarter. Odessa staged a 9-0 run to reclaim the lead (5150) midway through the quarter, then outscored Excelsior Springs 10-7 down the stretch. Easton Ryan paced Excelsior Springs…