Carissa Cooley (13), of Pendleton, goes up for a jumper during Tuesday’s preseason game against Southridge at Warberg Court.

A close competition saw the Suns bring down the Bucks in a 43-36 nonleague home matchup on Tuesday.

“My kids play with a ton of heart, and never quit,” said Pendleton head coach Kevin Porter. “But we turned the ball over too much. When you do that, it’s tough to win.”

Senior Katie Bradt scored on a basket and at the line to give the Bucks a 7-5 lead with 1:50 to go in the first quarter, but Pendleton turned the ball over and Suns senior Sarah Tucker tied it up 7-7 at the buzzer.

Southridge hit six unanswered points to take the lead in the second quarter. Pendleton senior Uliyana Guerrero scored two 3’s to keep the Bucks close, but with less than a minute to go Suns guard Emmee Ball recorded five straight points to leave Pendleton down 21-17 at halftime.

The Suns ran with the lead in the third quarter, outscoring Pendleton 14-7. Pendleton topped Sothridge 12-8 in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

“We went to our 2-3 zone in the second half,” said Bucks junior Carissa Cooley. “That’s our strong suit.”

Bradt led with nine points and seven rebounds. Guerrero and freshman Muriel Hoisington had six points, sophomore Natalie Neveau five, and Cooley four.

Pendleton (1-3) travels to Ridgeview for a tournament on Friday.

Pendleton 7 10 7 12 – 36

Southridge – 7 14 14 8 – 43

PENDLETON – Bradt 9, Guerrero 6, Hoisington 6, Neveau 5, Cooley 4, Nirschl 2, Wilson 2, Spriet 2

SOUTHRIDGE – Ball 15, Mendez 12, Griffiths 7, Tucker 7, Brisbois 2