The Mexico girls thought they could chip away at Hallsville’s lead on Wednesday night at home.

After a scoring drought that lasted until about three minutes left in the third quarter, the Lady Bulldogs lost 64-30 as Hallsville was able to pull away with 12 shots from 3-point territory — five in the second half.

Head coach Ed Costley said Mexico (5-10) had opportunities to knock the deficit back down to single digits again, but it couldn’t take advantage of them. The Lady Bulldogs trailed 30-20 at halftime and then were behind 46-24 going into the fourth quarter after a 16-4 margin in the third quarter.

“In the first quarter, we looked like we were playing a little timid, and then later in the first quarter and into the second quarter, we got things going and picked up a little momentum to cut it to 10,” Costley said. “It’s just that slow start in the third quarter. That was the key right there.”

Costley said Hallsville (11-2) “amped up” its defense, applying pressure to a Mexico offense that just couldn’t get it going again.

Claire Hudson led Mexico with 10 points and two 3-pointers, Messiah Simpson followed with nine points, and Lexie Willer finished with four points.

Hallsville had Madysen Lucas lead them with 15 points and five 3-pointers, Kristen Jones followed with 11 points, Peyton Thoenen had nine points and three 3-pointers, and Haley Hagan had nine points.

Costley said he thought Mexico’s interior defense was better than it has been and thinks the offense can improve soon.

“We did a better job of attacking the basket off the double teams than what we’ve done all year,” Costley said. “Now we just have to realize what’s the next read and get better at that.”

Mexico (2-2 NCMC) continues its North Central Missouri Conference schedule at 6 p.m. Friday at Kirksville (6-7, 3-1 NCMC), who defeated the Lady Bulldogs 49-39 in the first meeting this season.