LYONS — The Ellsworth boys’ basketball team dropped its season opener Dec. 5 as they traveled to Lyons in an early NCAA matchup.

The game got off to a low-scoring start in the opening minutes of the game as the Bearcats turned the ball over to the Lions four times on their first four trips down the floor, but only found themselves down by three points early on. Ellsworth proceeded to tie the game at 3-3 following a made shot from three-point land from sophomore Liam Stone, before taking the first lead of the game at 5-3 on a layup from senior Cooper McGowan. The rest of the opening period featured two more lead changes as the two teams played to a 12-9 Lyons lead to start the second quarter.

Lyons extended their lead to 15-11 early in the second quarter, before both teams went on a scoring drought in the middle of the second frame. With approximately 2:00 left in the first half, McGowan connected on a 10-foot jumper to bring the Bearcats within two points at 15-13 before the Lions closed out the half on an 8-0 run to lead Ellsworth 23-13 at halftime.

Lyons started the second half right where they left off in the first half, scoring the first 7 points of the third quarter, before senior Ethan Tully ended the Bearcats’ scoring drought with a free throw at the 4:45 mark of the third quarter, making the score 30-14 in favor of the Lions. Things continued to go in favor of the Lions as they outscored Ellsworth 18-8 throughout the remainder of the quarter on their way to a 54-34 win over the Bearcats.

Senior Tucker Goss led Ellsworth in scoring with 10 points, followed by Tully with 9 points while McGowan added 6.

Ellsworth competed this week in the Amos Morris Basketball Tournament at Russell, but results were not available by press time.

The Bearcats travel to Minneapolis Dec. 16 to face off against the Lions.