The first half of the contest was all Don Bosco as the Ironmen jumped out to a 19-14 lead at the end of the first quarter, before extending their advantage to 36-25 at the half.
The Explorers raced back in the third quarter as
Cameron and
Cayden Boozer combined for the first 27 points of the quarter for their side and 27 of 29 points in the period overall.
Cameron Boozer scored 16 points in the third quarter, while Cayden chipped in 11 points.
Columbus started the third quarter on a 14-3 run to cut the deficit to 39-38 before Don Bosco Prep responded with a quick 10-2 spurt to give themselves a 49-42 advantage.
The Explorers closed the third quarter on a 12-2 run culminating with a
Jase Richardson layup to break up the scoring streak for the Boozer twins.
Following a Cameron Boozer three-pointer from the top of the key to extend the Columbus advantage to 69-61 with just over three minutes remaining, Don Bosco Prep responded with a 9-0 run to take a 70-69 advantage with just under two minutes remaining.
Harper contributed seven of the nine points in the spurt, including a go-ahead three-pointer from the left wing to give his team the one point advantage.
A layup on the other end from Princeton commit
Malik Abdullahi gave the Explorers a 71-70 lead before Harper stole a rebound from Cameron Boozer off his own miss and converted the tough layup over the big man with approximately one minute remaining.
A Cayden Boozer layup on the other end gave the Explorers a 73-72 advantage with 50 seconds remaining, but Harper had the last say as he converted an and-one with approximately 30 seconds remaining to give Don Bosco a 75-73 lead.
The Ironmen converted all four free-throws in the closing seconds, while the Explorers were unable to find the bottom of the net in the high-powered showdown.
Reigning National Player of the Year Cameron Boozer finished with a team-high 30 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
Don Bosco Prep (3-1) advance to tomorrow's City of Palms Classic fifth place game where they will take on the winner of IMG Academy and Archbishop Stepinac.
Columbus (6-4) will look to rebound during the Christmas break before returning to the court for the Les Schwab Invitational on Dec. 27.
Five-star Rutgers commit Dylan Harper exploded for a game-high 38 points in a 79-74 win for Don Bosco Prep. (Photo: Eugene Alonzo)
Five-star Rutgers commit scored 21 points in the second half of the thrilling victory. (Photo: Eugene Alonzo)
