Caldwell County dropped a 65-60 decision at McLean County in the Tigers’ final preseason scrimmage action on Wednesday.
The difference was a 17-6 advantage for the Cougars in the first quarter.
Caldwell trailed 31-23 at halftime and 48-40 after three quarters before falling by five points in the last tuneup before the regular season.
Logan Patterson poured in 26 points for the host Cougars while Brayden Bishop and Isaac Springer each had nine. Trey Englehardt added eight.
For Caldwell, Cole Smiley had 17 points while Adarius Riley netted 16. Jamarius Blaine had 10 points, Cayden Fraliex eight, Tripp Branch seven and T.J. Ray two.
Caldwell will tip off the regular season on Tuesday when it hosts Lyon County for a girls and boys varsity doubleheader.
