Waterville-Elysian-Morristown put the pressure on the United South Central boys’ basketball team Friday in their Section 2AA game in Watertown and the Rebels weren’t able to break it in a 49-44 loss.

USC trailed 33-23 at halftime and fell behind because of turnovers created by the Buccaneers press.

The Rebels also shot 29 percent from the field in the first half to make matters worse.

Riley Swearingen was USC’s only scorer in double figures with 12 points, but Jake Sonnek added seven and 12 rebounds in the loss.

WEM 49, USC 44

USC 23 21 — 44

WEM 33 16 — 49