sports@standard-democrat.com
CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The Sikeston eighth grade basketball team lost a close contest to Poplar Bluff on Wednesday during the Cape Central Eighth Grade Tournament at the Cape Central Junior High, 41-37.
Although they were behind 25-20 at halftime, Sikeston continued to slide as the Mules outscored them 10-3 in the third quarter.
Needing to close the 12-point gap, the Bulldogs mustered 14 points to Poplar Bluff's six in the final frame, but it wasn't enough.
Dominique Dyes led Sikeston with 16 points.
The Bulldogs are now 9-3 on the year and will play for third place tonight.
Sikeston 10 10 3 14 -- 37
Poplar Bluff 11 14 10 6 -- 41
SIKESTON (37) -- Antoine Bennett 2, Jaylen Mallory 5, Dominique Dyes 16, Victwan Riley 5, Deterio Newman 4, Jamael Hamilton 2, Nathan Hampton 3. FG 16 FT 1-2 F 12. (3-pointers: Mallory 1, Dyes 2, Hampton 1. Fouled out: none.)
POPLAR BLUFF (41) -- Misner 8, Denzel 2, Tristen 9, Blake 10, Kirby 4, Collin 8. FG 19 FT 2-5 F 5. (3-pointers: Tristen 1. Fouled out: none.)