On Jan. 19, the Laurel Locomotives defeated the Billings Central Rams on a last second buzzer-beater in Laurel.

This time around, the Rams got revenge. 

Shay Dantic hit a late 3-pointer to tie the game with under a minute left followed by a steal and a free throw to help put Central up for good as the Rams defeated Laurel 46-43 at the Nelles Activities Center on Senior Night.

After Dantic put the Rams up 44-43, Laurel's Shay Osborne missed a go-ahead layup and Jet Campbell grabbed the rebound and was fouled. He made two free throws to ice the game with 2.3 seconds left. 

Photos: Central vs. Laurel boys varsity Thursday

Images from the Central vs. Laurel boys varsity game at Billings Central High School on Thursday, February 16. 

Dantic finished with a game-high 20 points while Chrishon Dixon added 12 for the Rams. Laurel's Christian Jones finished with 17 points.

"I had a little bit of confidence but I have to give the credit to my teammates because they believe in me," Dantic said. "(On the steal) we were just trying to get the ball and I saw that one of their players was trapped, so I snuck in and got the steal and got fouled."

Dantic only made one of his two free throws, but was key for his team down the stretch. He knocked down three 3's, including another one right before the third quarter. His game-tying three late in the game came off of a screen at the top of key. He caught it and took one dribble to his right.

"That kid has got ice in his veins," Central coach Jim Stergar said. "I'm proud of him for stepping up the way he's done. It's nothing new for him, stepping up and taking those shots."

Dantic, a senior, said he knew he'd get fouled after the steal, and was happy to be able to give his team the lead.

"I missed the first one but (Stergar) has always said in a situation like that, just need to make one and luckily I did and it felt great," Dantic said. "It's a great rivalry. We respect them, but to get the win was an amazing feeling. It was definitely a confidence booster"

With the win, Central finishes the regular season 12-6 and at No. 3 in the division. Laurel (11-5) takes the top spot, while Hardin will be No. 2 in Eastern A. Laurel hosts Billings Senior on Saturday.

"Our kids are competitors and anytime something doesn't go the way they want it to they have a little fire in their belly and we want them to play a little angry," Laurel coach Pat Hansen said. "We're looking forward to tournament time."