SUTHERLIN – The Sutherlin boys basketball team shut down the high-scoring Cottage Grove offense Tuesday night and threw the Sky-Em League into a three-way tie for first place with a 43-37 win over the Lions.

The Bulldogs built a 14-5 lead at the end of the first quarter and still held a 10-point lead at halftime thanks to 10 points in the quarter by freshman Mason Gill, who finished with a game-high 16.

The lead began to dwindle in the third quarter when Sutherlin’s offense went cold, scoring only four points and allowing the Lions to climb back within five. But in the fourth period, free throws kept the Bulldogs ahead, as they knocked down 8-of-12 from the line. Marshal Warmouth had five points in the final period, including 3-of-4 foul shots, and finished with 12 points.

The win gave the Bulldogs a 3-1 league mark and 12-6 overall. It moved them into a tie for first with the Lions (3-1, 11-5) and Sisters (3-1, 11-5) which defeated Junction City 30-25.

Sutherlin will visit Sweet Home Friday night in the final round of the first half of the Sky-Em League schedule.