FIRTH - The North Gem girls' basketball team hung with Mackay until the bitter end, but lost in the closing moments 44-40.

Cowboys coach Corry Hatch said his team had all the chances in the world to win, but couldn't capatilize on its free throws.

"We shot 34 percent from the line," he said. "If we just shoot 50 percent we win the game."

Still, North Gem had a chance to send the game to overtime on its last possession. But it turned the ball over and allowed Mackay to make two free throws on the other end and go up by four points.

Natalie Semons scored 10 points to lead the Cowboys.

With the loss, North Gem dropped to 15-8 and will next play Rockland on Tuesday for a shot at state.