Purcell split games with Marlow January 28 with the girls winning 58-31 and coach Matt Lohn’s Dragons on the short end of a 54-52 count.

Kenna Esparza led coach Toney Cooper’s Dragons with 15 points including three baskets from downtown.

Fellow senior Tinley Winters joined Esparza in double figures with a dozen hiking Purcell’s record to 9-8 on the season.

Winters added 11 rebounds to her 12 points for a double-double in the contest.

The Dragons pounced on the Outlaws from the get-go out-scoring the visitors 18-6 in the opening period and bursting out to a 31-11 halftime bulge.

“Marlow is a very young but hard working team. We jumped out to an early lead and did not look back,” Cooper said.

“We found some success off the bench as Isa Walker and Rylee Peoples were solid contributors,” Cooper continued. “Our kids are playing good basketball at the right time. Any momentum we can build at this stage of the season is good momentum. I’m proud of our effort, proud of our team.”

Senior Brayden Tharp led the Dragons with 14 points. He was joined in double digits by junior Jaime Resendiz with 11.

Purcell had a chance to widen their lead going into the halftime break but Marlow hit a shot and then caused a turnover sending the two clubs into the locker rooms with Purcell leading 25-23.

We got off to a great start, and I felt, really dictated the action early,” Lohn said.

The Dragons built a 17-11 first quarter lead and were in control.

“We had a chance to go into half up seven and with momentum, but they hit a shot then turned us over to cut it to two. Give Marlow credit, they flipped the script on us in the second half, dictating the action and attacking the cup,” the coach said.

Marlow eventually led by five heading into the fourth quarter after out-scoring the Dragons 18-11 in the third period.

“My kids stuck with it and made a run to get back on the positive side of the scoreboard halfway through the fourth which I was proud of,” Lohn said.

“Some shots just wouldn’t fall, and then we had a few bad moments that gave them the advantage and ultimately the game.

“We have to continue to identify and overcome the razor thin margin of error that it takes to be a winner. It’s hard to win! Marlow is so well coached and such a sound team. It’s time to learn and get better.”

The Dragons, who are 7-9 on the season, were scheduled to host Comanche Tuesday night and travel to Washington on Friday.