Despite 28 points and five rebounds from Jake Sonnek the United South Central boys&8217; basketball team could not come up with the win, falling to Jackson County Central 76-68 in the first round of the Blue Earth Tournament.

Turnovers cost the Rebels in the first half of their game as they fell behind by 20 points. USC would recover in the second half and get as close as six points, but could push no further.

&8220;They like to push the tempo and that is the game we found ourselves playing,&8221; USC head coach Rob Stevermer said.

Tom Eilertson added 13 points for the Rebels while both Jordan Stenzel and Chris Yost had eight.

Sonnek added five rebounds to go with his 9 of 15 shooting from the floor.

USC continues play in the tournament tonight at 6 p.m. when it will face Madelia.