Sikeston, Missouri - Dexter’s Jacob Pedigo and Gabe Jackson tied for game-high 17 points, but it was not enough to beat the Notre Dame Bulldogs in the opening game of the SEMO Conference Tournament at the Sikeston Field House on Monday evening.

“We had a real chance to knock these guys off, but did not execute in some crucial situations both on offense and defense," commented Dexter head basketball coach Josh Dowdy. "Once we handle these plays differently, we will have a better outcome."

At the end of the first quarter Notre Dame led 15-10, but it didn’t take long for Dexter recover.  They held the Bulldogs to just 7 points in the second period while tallying 15 points of their own.  Half time score was 25-22 with the Bearcats in the lead.

Jacob Pedigo recorded 17 points including one trey for the Bearcats.

Gabe Jackson also tallied 17 points for Dexter.

Ethan Flowers added two 3-pointers and one free throw.

"Jacob Pedigo and Gabe Jackson both had nice games on offense tonight," continued Dowdy.  "Jackson is becoming more and more comfortable inside each game.  Pedigo is playing with confidence on offense.  He has had a real nice start to the season."

Notre Dame (2-1) scored 16 points in both the third and fourth quarters to secure their win over the Dexter and move on to play #1 seed Sikeston on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.  The winner of that game will move into the semifinals.

Dexter (0-3) will play the #2 Jackson Indians on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at the Sikeston Field House.

“We will now face Jackson twice in the next 6 days."  stated Dowdy.  "We will then try to clean up some of our mistakes and get ready for the Christmas Tournament at Bloomfield.  These kids are really trying and I am proud of their effort."

Final Score Dexter 50, Notre Dame 54

Dexter             10   15   11   14   -  50

Notre Dame   15     7   16   16   -  54

Dexter (50) - Jason Jarrell 8, Jacob Pedigo 17, Ethan Flowers 8, Gabe Jackson 17.  FG 21, FT 5/7, F 15. (3-pointers: Jacob Pedigo 1, Ethan Flowers 2.  Fouled Out: Ryan Mayo).

Notre Dame (54) - Andrew LeGrand 6, Blake Bauwens 10, Ross Essner 6, Garrett Siebert 6, Winston Welter 6, Dawson Dohogne 8, Carson Ketcher 14.  FG 17, FT 14/18, F 15. (3-pointers: Andrew LeGrand 2, Blake Bauwens 1, Garrett Siebert 2.  Fouled Out: None).

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