The Columbus Wildcats split their doubleheader with the Pekin Panthers on Tuesday. The Columbus boys fell 60-48, but the girls won 37-35.

The Wildcat girls played first, fighting Pekin in a low-scoring battle. The Panthers led 8-5 after the first quarter and built the lead to four points, 18-14 by halftime. Although the lead grew to five by the fourth quarter, Columbus turned a corner in the clutch, outscoring Pekin 13-6 in the final quarter to take the 37-35 win.

Ellie Sanders led the Wildcats with 19 points, while Iris Garza added 10. The Columbus girls have won their fifth straight game, improving to 10-9 for the season.

In the boys’ contest, the Wildcats paid for a slow start. Columbus trailed 21-4 after the first quarter. Although they outscored Pekin 44-39 over the remainder of the game, it wasn’t nearly enough, and the Wildcats fell 60-48.

Ellis Hills-Carrier scored 14 points to lead Columbus. Drew Totemeier had 10. Columbus falls to 7-11 with the loss.