CHECOTAH – The Checotah Wildcats led the Keys Cougars by 13 points early in the third period but faltered late to lose the game by 4 points 51-47.

A close contest early, Checotah held the lead over the Cougars mostly by 3 points. At the half it was 31-28 Cats.

 In the third period, the Wildcats opened up a 13-point advantage early in the third, but then the wheels fell off.

The Cougars rallied to tie the game late in the final period and held Checotah to just 6 points over the final 8 minutes to win the Contest 47-51 in front of a lively Keys crowd.

Nathan Rogers, the Cougars outside ace, knocked down five 3-pointers on way to his 16 point total. Joe Green and London Iron each had 14 points on the night.

For the Wildcats it was Aum Patel leading the way with 14 points, four from beyond the bonus stripe, and R.J. Womack had 12 points.

Rowan Chapman was the other Wildcat in doubles with an 11 point effort.

Both teams continue in the consolation bracket Saturday.