On Friday, Feb. 16, the South Loup Bobcats traveled to Sumner to take on the SEM Mustangs in the last regular season game of the year. The two rivals have good seasons of their own, and both are conference runners- up in their respective conferences.

As the game began both teams were able to get to the rack for some easy buckets. South Loup was in their full-court zone press while the Mustangs were in their half-court man-to-man defense. To close the quarter the Bobcats trailed the Mustangs 14-12.

The second quarter would be just as evenly matched as the first. The Mustangs began to find their rhythm from the 3-point line as well. The full-court pressure and transition game of the Bobcats still allowed them to stay within striking distance, however. SEM would lead at the halftime break 27-23.

The third quarter exhibited great 3-point shooting from the Mustangs as they continued their hot streak that started late in the second quarter. The Bobcats were not able to get too much going on the offensive end of the ball and the Mustangs were able to distance themselves up 11 going into the fourth.

The Bobcats, however, would not go down without a fight. They hit some big threes and gained some even bigger defensive stops to bring the score to within 4 points late in the game. The free throw shooting from SEM would prevail though, with an ending score of 57-61, with Mustangs on top.

The Bobcats began postseason play on Tuesday with the opening round of sub-districts when they met Sandhills Valley at Ansley. Results of that game were not available at press time.