For a team that looked outmatched on paper, Bakersfield sure didn’t look like an overwhelmed underdog.

Taking a devil-may-care attitude, the Lions nearly pulled a big-time upset on the small-class level during their 60-54 loss to Marion County in the Class 1 semifinals. Bakersfield held the lead in the final two minutes against a highly-favored Mustangs team but couldn’t complete the upset.

The Lions will have another chance to play spoiler Saturday at 10:40 a.m. when they take on Jefferson in the third-place game.

“We’ve just been playing that hand. We’re the team that never gives up,” Bakersfield coach Tesa Nelson said.

The only unranked team among the Class 1 semifinalists, Bakersfield (20-8) didn’t exactly field an impressive resume. Seven of the team’s losses were by nine points or more. Late in the year, the Lions suffered a 75-37 beating at the hands of Class 2 semifinalist Couch. Ouch.

Much like New Frankin’s girls in Class 2, Bakersfield just kept finding ways to squeak out victories, though. The Lions nearly mustered enough magic to propel them into the state title game.

Brooke Lair’s layup with 1:57 left in the fourth quarter gave Bakersfield a two-point advantage against a Marion County team that lead by double digits in the first half. The underdog squad battled back thanks to a strong second half from Lair, who finished with 16 points, and Emma French (10 points).

Lia Fienhold, a 5-foot-10 senior center, also provided a double-double for the Lions after notching 10 points and 11 rebounds. Look for Fienhold to wage another war in the paint against Chelsey Merrigan on Saturday.

Perhaps no sequence better embodied Bakersfield’s fearless style of play then when Lair dove headfirst into radio row while attempting to make a steal. After picking herself up, she nearly recorded a block on defense.

The Lions plan on carrying that same attitude into their contest against the Eagles.

“We’ve come this far. No need to back down now,” Lair said.