ELMIRA – The Sutherlin boys basketball team dominated Elmira for three quarters on Tuesday night, but the Falcons made a ferocious comeback and walked away with a 53-47 victory over the Bulldogs.

Sutherlin led 42-32 at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs’ offense ran into a pressing Falcon defense that caused turnovers and bad shots. Three 3-pointers by Elmira brought the Falcons to within one and the Bulldogs couldn’t get the offense on track again.

Marshal Warmouth had 20 points before he fouled out with just under five minutes left to play. Warmouth hit four 3-pointers. Freshman Mason Gill added 13 points for Sutherlin.

The Bulldogs drop to 5-2 in Sky-Em play and 14-7 overall.  Sutherlin started the night tied with Cottage Grove and Sisters for first. The Lions and Outlaws were scheduled to play on Tuesday, but the game was postponed until Wednesday. The winner of the contest will move into sole possession of first place, while the loser will be tied with Sutherlin for second.

Up next for the Sutherlin boys is a home game against Sisters on Friday night at the Dog Pound in Sutherlin.