After taking the lead in the first half, the Dillon Wildcats fell to Mullins on Tuesday night as the Auctioneers rallied in the second half for a 69-65 win.

Mullins was ahead 17-15 at the end of the first quarter, but the Wildcats outscored the Auctioneers 24-12 in the second to lead 39-29 at the half. But Mullins outpaced Dillon 22-17 in the third to close the gap to 56-51, and took the win with an 18-9 fourth quarter.

Mullins was led by Javarius Smith with 24 points and 11 rebounds, and Jalek Felton added 17 points with nine assists and seven rebounds. Arthur March and Nizohn Powell each added eight points; Fabian Caroll, 7; Riyan Gore, 4; and Jamel Davis, 1.

For the Wildcats, RaKeem Fletcher scored a team-high 17 points and Omar McCollum scored 15. JaQuan Knowlin added 10 points; Joe Manning, 8; Lawrence Crouch, 6; and Raheem McClam, 6.

Dillon slips to 10-9 overall and 4-3 in Region 8-2A, while Mullins improved to 14-8 with an undefeated 7-0 record in the region.

The Wildcats will be at home for the rest of the regular season, starting with Marion this Friday night. On Monday, February 9, Dillon will host Loris and on Thursday, February 11, the Wildcats will host Waccamaw. Game times are set for 6:00 p.m., so make plans to attend to support our local teams!

GIRLS

In girls varsity basketball action, the Lady Wildcats fell 67-50 to Mullins on Tuesday night.

It was the first region loss for the Dillon girls, who slip to 17-3 overall and 6-1 in Region 8-2A. Mullins is also now 6-1 in the Region.

Dillon and Mullins were ranked as the top two teams in Class 2A girls basketball in the latest statewide coaches poll, but the win for the Lady Aucs could bump them back up to the top of the list.

Dillon hosts Marion this Friday at 6:00 p.m.