ST. IGNATIUS - It all came down to the last minute.

With 15 seconds left in the game, and Mission trailing 41-39, the Bulldogs just couldn't pull it out, losing by two to rival Arlee in conference action Tuesday night.

Down by four at the half, the Bulldogs tied it with about a minute left, but were unable to hit the front end of a 1-and-1, which would have given them the lead. With 12 seconds left, Mission drove the court and shot, but it went in and out.

Arlee then got the rebound, but with time running out, Mission got the ball back. A last-second desperation shot by Tarn Potter from five feet behind the 3-point line hit the front of the rim - game over.

Ashley Mitchell had 12 points for the Bulldogs, while Potter had nine.

"I can't say anyone played well on the team. We had a chance to steal the game, and we just needed one bounce to go our way," said Mission head coach Les Rice.

Rice said he was pleased that his players battled back after being down by 11 to start the fourth quarter.

"I was pleased we didn't panic, but I wish we could have executed well before being down by 11," he said.

Mission will face Superior and Eureka this weekend at the Loyola tourney, while Arlee will face Darby at home on Thursday (today). Games start at 4:15 p.m., with varsity to follow.

Rice said the team needs to be in better shape, and then things will come together.

"We just haven't had time to get in shape. We are not rebounders, nor are we very fast, but when we did execute, we did well," Rice said.

He said Tuesday's game showed where the team stood.

"As long as we learn from tonight's experience, it was worthwhile," he said.