A four-point defeat ended the 2020 season for the Wilson Tigers Friday night. Going up against the McCurtain Bulldogs in the first round of the Class B Districts Tournament, the Tigers led a tough campaign until a nine-point third quarter tripped them up and left them with a 68-64 loss. Wilson senior Malik Thompson and junior Michael Conard were the only Tigers to break into the double digits Friday against the Bulldogs. Thompson busted out 10 2’s and two 3’s to score a total of 26 points for the Tigers. Conard wasn’t far behind with 18 points, including eight 2’s and two free throws.

The Tigers started out strong with a two-point lead but soon lost control defensively in the third quarter, which resulted in the Bulldogs taking control of the scoreboard.

Their four-point loss puts the Tigers overall season record for 2020 at 10-14. The Tigers started the season strong with two consecutive wins over Schulter (89-18) and Mason (61-37). They also had their share of losses including a recent seven-game losing streak, which they broke Feb. 11 against Hanna, 66-45.

Conard and Thompson led their team to a 20-point scoring streak in the first quarter. Focusing their efforts in the paint, Thompson scored four 2’s and Conard busted out a trio of 2’s, contributing 14 of the 20 points the Tigers earned. They had help from junior Asa Mitchell, who sunk a 3-point shot, and senior Cobey Sellers who posted up for three points. The Bulldogs were able to stay close, however, with the Tigers struggling to compose their defense. McCurtain busted out 18 points in the first quarter with three of their players scoring a pair of 2’s. With their defense struggling to protect the basket, the Tigers only garnered a two-point lead in the first quarter, 20-18.

Both teams scored 14 points in the second quarter, allowing the Tigers to maintain their tentative advantage. Conard kept the Tigers on the scoreboard with a trio of 2’s. He was the only consistent shooter for the Tigers in the second quarter. Thompson scored his fifth 2-pointer but failed to reach the basket again. Wilson junior Yahv Williams, sophomore Logan Moore and Mitchell all scored a bucket also, but the Bulldogs matched their shooting abilities. The Bulldogs earned six 2’s and two free throws, which left the Tigers in the lead 34-32.

The Tigers experienced a major dip in energy during the third quarter. After earning back-toback double digit quarters, the Tigers posted up for nine points. Thompson rallied to score a pair of 2’s and a 3-pointer. Conard was the only other Tiger to reach the basket and scored his seventh 2-pointer. With Conard and Thompson upholding their shooting, the Tigers fell to a rejuvenated Bulldog offense. McCurtain led a 19-point scoring streak in the third quarter. Focusing most of their efforts under the basket, McCurtain scored eight 2’s and a 3-pointer.

McCurtain usurped the Tigers’ two-point lead and took over the scoreboard 51-43.

Wilson now faced a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Seeing their lead diminished to a McCurtain lead, the Tigers resurrected their offense and busted out 21 points. Thompson once again kickstarted the scoring streak with a trio of 2’s and a 3-pointer. Conard and Moore made it to the basket for a total of three points, while Sellers scored his second 2-pointer.

McCurtain’s thirdquarter lead protected them from the Tigers’ 21-point comeback. Scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter, they were able to claim a 68-64 win over the Tigers.

Defense is where the Tigers faltered Friday, allowing the Bulldogs to claim 28 buckets against them. The four-point loss ends the Tigers’ season with a 10-14 record.