The Centre boys’ basketball team couldn’t overcome a slow start Tuesday against Pretty Prairie, losing 65-44 at the substate tournament in Rosalia.

The Cougars played catch-up from the outset, as they were outscored 14-3 in the first quarter. Dylan Deines, Jared Barney, and Cole Srajer got Centre back on track, with the teams playing even through the second and third quarters.

Trailing by 11, the Cougars couldn’t keep up in the final period, as the Bulldogs padded their lead by 10 to coast into the second round.

Deines scored 13 to lead the Cougars, and Barney and Srajer scored 7 each.