The Levelland Lobos opened district play with a close battle at Sweetwater Friday and would fall to the Mustangs, 56-53.
The Lobos and Mustangs would exchange the lead throughout the entirety of the game as tensions rose through the final minutes deciding the winner.
The Lobos found themselves with a first quarter lead, 17-to-16. Heading into the second quarter, the Mustangs would find their stride offensively and outscore the Lobos 14-10 and would have a three point lead at the half, 30- 27.
Levelland would respond in the third by taking the lead with a 16-9.
Defensive adjustments continued to keep Levelland competitive as the Lobos would alternate between a full-court and half-court press against the Mustangs. At the end of the third quarter, Lobos would retain a 43- 39 lead.
the fourth, the Mustangs would tie the game at 43 a piece. With tempers flaring for both sides following questionable officiating, the Mustangs would be hit with a technical allowing Lobo free-throws. Levelland would take a 50-49 lead with four minutes remaining.
Possessions would be exchanged with both defenses limiting fast pace transitions. Tempers on the Lobos side would aid in sealing their fate in the waning seconds of the contest.
Jaden Castillo led the Lobos offensively scoring 25 points while Travion Holland scored 10 points. Eryk Jones and Sean Landrum each mustered eight points while Ozzie Solano finished with two points.
The Levelland Lobos fall to 9-15 on the year and 0-1 in district. The teams next game will be on the road against the Big Spring Steers at 7:45 p.m.