Holtville on Thursday opened up a close game to take a 36-24 lead into halftime.

The game ended too late to be included in this edition.

The Bulldogs (1-6) scored the first six points of the game before Brandon Veazey drained a 3-pointer. After that, neither team would lead by more than three points until Greg McLamb converted an old fashioned three-point play to make it 30-24 Holtville.

Alcevious McCall had 10 points at the break for the visitors, while Brian Donovan had 10 points for the Mustangs (1-3).

Holtville girls 33, Isabella 26

Turnovers cost Isabella on Thursday as Holtville was able to take advantage of the miscues and turn a 19-17 deficit at the end of the third quarter into a 7-point win.

Isabella took its biggest lead of the game two minutes before haltime. Amber Wyatt was fouled in the act of shooting, made one free throw then watched as Kimberly Littleton rebounded the miss on the second attempt and scored to tie the game at 7.

Isabella scored the next four points and led 13-9 at the end of one quarter of play.

The Mustangs (2-3) fell behind but were still in striking distance with little more than one minute left to play until four consecutive turnovers led to a 31-24 edge for the Bulldogs (3-5).

The hosts could not find a way to get back in the game.

Wyatt led her team with nine points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. Littleton added six points and eight rebounds.

Kimi Jones had five points and eight steals for the hosts, and Felicia Brasher assisted on four baskets.

Holtville’s Jade O’Brien led all scorers with 17 points, six of which came in the final period. Jourdann Rhodes scored all five of her points in the fourth.

Holtville B-team 40, Isabella 36

Holtville’s Jared King rebounded a missed free throw with time running out in regulation, was fouled on a put-back attempt and made one foul shot to send the game into overtime, where his team pulled out the win.

Isabella (1-2) had the basketball with 10 seconds left and a chance to tie, but Holtville’s Akeem Bennett – who led all scorers with 17 points – stole the ball and scored to put the game away for the Bulldogs (3-2).

– Stephen Dawkins can be reached at stephen.dawkins@clantonadvertiser.com