Four days after defeating in-county rival Bell County in an overtime thriller, the Middlesboro Lady Jackets found themselves on the losing end of a thriller against another in-county rival when they fell to Pineville on Tuesday night in Pineville, 39-38.

“It was great game,” said Pineville coach Jamie Mills. “Coach Overbay has done a great job with his team, and they are very solid on both ends of the floor. Neither team shot the ball exceptionally well, but I feel like that’s a credit to both defenses. Both times we have faced each other this season, it’s went down to the wire. Both teams have shown a lot of heart and will to win.”

The Lady Jackets were led by Kailey Owens with 18. The Lady Lions were led by Whitney Caldwell with 15.

With contributions from Grace Gent, Baylee Woody and Kailey Owens, Middlesboro outscored Pineville 13-10 in the first quarter. The second quarter was dictated by Pineville, as they limited Middlesboro to eight points in the quarter and outscored the Lady Jackets 15-8 to take a 25-21 lead into the half.

Both offenses struggled in the second half. There were 15 total points scored in the third quarter, as Middlesboro outscored Pineville 8-7. Heading into the final period, the Lady Lions led 32-29. Middlesboro fought to within a single point by outscoring the Lady Lions 9-7 in the period, but could never take the lead and fell by one, 39-38.

“We were fortunate enough to be on the winning side of a close game this time,” Mills said. “Whitney (Caldwell) and Raigan (King) both made some good plays near the end of the game to help us solidify the win.”

Middlesboro was back in action against McCreary Central on Thursday in a road game. Pineville played a road game against Red Bird Thursday night.

Middlesboro (10-15) (38) — Kailey Owens 18, Baylee Woody 8, Grace Temple 4, Brittany Davis 2, Grace Gent 2, Lakyn King 2, Gracie Moles 2.

Pineville (15-9) (39) — Whitney Caldwell 15, Raigan King 9, Virginia Hall 8, Chesney Brock 4, Summer Partin 3.