The Bushnell-Prairie City High School girls basketball squad returned to action Saturday morning, hosting Illini Central/Greenview in non-conference play.
The visiting Cougars prevailed in a closely contested game, recording a 45-41 victory.
The opening eight minutes saw both teams score 13 points.
B-PC’s Jules Kreps and Justice Klinedinst combined for nine points in the quarter, while the visiting Cougars had three 3-pointers.
Illini Central/Greenview added 13 points in the second frame, including three more treys in taking a 26-22 halftime lead.
The Spartans closed the gap in the third period, outscoring the Cougars 12-9 in cutting the deficit to 35-34 entering the final stanza.
The two teams managed to combine for just three baskets in the last eight minutes.
Both teams also attempted 10 free throws in the quarter with B-PC finishing 5-of-10, compared to 6-of-10 for Illini Central/Greenview.
As a result, the Cougars outscored the Spartans 10-7 on the way to hanging on for the win.
Klinedinst topped B-PC (1-4) with 16 points.
Kreps also reached double figures, finishing with 13 points that included three 3-pointers for the hosts.
Mylee Chenoweth chipped in six points for the Spartans, followed by Kendyl McCleery with five and Scarlett Countryman with one.
Megan Hughes topped Illini Central/Greenview (2-2) with 16 points, eight in each half.
Addie Wilcoxon added 14 points, eight in the fourth quarter for the Cougars.
The Spartans finished 10-of-20 from the free throw line, compared to 10-of-16 for the Cougars.
Both teams finished the game with 14 made baskets. But Illini Central/Greenview recorded seven 3-pointers, compared to three for B-PC.
The Spartans also played a JV contest at Knoxville Thursday evening, dropping a 43-42 decision to the Blue Bullets.
The Spartans entered Prairieland South Division play Monday evening, hosting Macomb (5-3, 0-1 Prairieland South).
