COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- Bryant Allen scored 15 points to lead Maplewood-Richmond Heights past Whitfield 73-55 in the Class 3 boys championship game on Saturday.

The Blue Devils (30-3) had to shake off a nagging Whitfield team that went away only after the Blue Devils made a big run to end the third quarter.

The Warriors (20-13) kept the game close in the first half and went into halftime tied 28-28 against Maplewood, which was going for its second-straight state title.

Julian Johnson led Whitfield with 23 points and 10 rebounds, but the Warriors couldn't overcome a big rebounding deficit and 18 turnovers.

Allen led four Blue Devils in double scoring, with Les Williams, Calvin Belts Jr. and Charles Brooks finishing with 14 points apiece.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)