The sixth- and seventh-grade Ducks and Gators had one last tune-up game before the start of the Hoopster regular season on Nov. 21 at the East Lawrence Center.

The Ducks took control of the ball first but the Gators had the last basket, taking the game 46-31 and gaining momentum heading into the season.

“It was a good win to get before the break,” Gators coach Aaron Combs said. “The win was positive for the boys’ self-esteem heading into the season.”

The Ducks only led the game by one point after the first quarter.

The game continued to remain close until just before halftime when Gator three-point shooters Corbin Francisco and Xavier Newman drained one each to give the Gators a 23-17 lead at the half.

In the third and fourth quarters, the Gators continued to run the court making their lay ups and hitting three-point shots.

“The three-pointers helped us out a lot,” Combs said. “We have the players to do it every game, but they have been cold. They showed it tonight.”

Although the Ducks connected on foul shots down the stretch, it wasn’t enough to overcome the 15-point deficit.

The Ducks couldn’t answer Newman’s three three-pointers that carried the Gators to the 46-31 victory in the last consolation game of the Hoopster preseason tournament.