The United South Central Rebels boys basketball team ran into a tough opponent for their first game of the season on Friday, Dec. 2.

The Rebels fell to the Waseca Bluejays by a score of 74-44. USC scored 18 points in the first half, while Waseca more than doubled that amount with 41. It was a little more even in the second half when the Bluejays outscored the Rebels 33-26.

“Waseca shot the ball extremely well and we had a really tough time trying to contain (Damarius) Russell,” USC coach Adam Walker said. “We were cold shooting all night and they didn’t seem to miss so that made it very tough to stay in the game.”

Russell had 28 points for the Bluejays. Leading the way for the Rebels was Taybor Conley with 12 points. Zale Bushlack was also in double figures with 10.

Johnny Martinez, Nick Bushlack and Jorge Martinez each had six points.

Conley also led the way in rebounds with six, while Nick Bushlack and Zale Bushlack each added five.

As a team, the Rebels were 14 of 47 shooting or 30 percent. They were 13 of 33 from 2-point range (39 percent) and 1 of 14 for 3-pointers (7 percent). They also made 54 percent of their free-throws, 15 of 28.

The Bluejays were 28 of 64 shooting or 44 percent from the floor, and only attempted two free throws and made just one.

Rebounding was fairly close with Waseca grabbing 34 and USC 31. Steals were 13 to 6 in favor of the Bluejays and assists were 21 to 8.

Next up for the USC Rebels is a game at Randolph on Friday, Dec. 9.