Brownwood first-year head coach Will Parker was hoping the Lions would get off a fast start in the TexasBank Holiday Classic boys big school championship game, but sluggish first and third quarters doomed the Lions in a 70-57 loss to the Abilene Wylie Bulldogs at the Brownwood Coliseum.

The Lions (15-6) opened tournament action with an 85-78 triumph over Wylie (11-11), but struggled to establish any offensive momentum in the rematch. Brownwood tallied 30 points in the second period – more than the other three quarters combined as the Lions were limited to eight in the first, six in the third and 13 points in the fourth.

Thad Hinds and Jakob Hataway led the way for the Lions with 12 points respectively, as the duo combined for 19 points in Brownwood’s 30-point second quarter. Christian Kinzler also finished in double figures with 10 points trailed by Bryson Monroe with nine, Luke Moss with eight, Ike Hall with four and Tristan Salinas with two points.

The Lions venture to Granbury at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday as pre-district action continues. Brownwood’s District 6-4A opener falls on Jan. 14 against Gatesville.

(read more about the game, and see photos by Derrick Stuckly on Brownwoodnews.com)