DAYTON - The Day­ton Bulldogs jumped to an early 8-0 lead and led most of the first three quarters before succumbing to a tenacious DeSales team in the fourth quarter here Saturday.

The score was tied 36- 36 after three and then again 41-41 with just over five minutes remaining, but the Irish pulled away in the final frame to win 54-48.

Logan Hays led the scoring for Dayton with 15 points. He added nine rebounds. Zach Waggoner chipped in 11 points and Ben Kleck had nine.

The Bulldogs had a hot night from outside, hit­ting five three-point shots. Hays, Kleck and Derek McCleary each had one and Cruz Ramirez downed two.

Turnovers killed the Bulldogs. They suffered 22, including six in the final period. DeSales did a much better job protecting the ball, committing only 13 turnovers.

The Saturday game was a big improvement over the drubbing the Bulldogs took on the road at Tri-Cit­ies Prep Friday, losing 58- 20. In that game, TCP had the early hot hand, leading 16-3 after one quarter and 32-9 at the half.

Hays led the scoring in that game as well, with six points, followed by Wag­goner with four.

The Bulldogs play two road games this week­end, traveling to Asotin Friday night and then to Walla Walla Saturday face WWVA.

The season wraps up on January 31 with a home game against rival Waits­burg Prescott.