Selma’s hopes to start the season 2-0 were crushed in a 59-51 home loss to Dallas County that wasn’t as close as the score indicates.

“It’s a pretty big win,” said Dallas County coach Willie Moore. “They’ve got an outstanding team.”

The Saints fell behind early, and then — with the game tied twice in the second half — repeatedly shot themselves in the foot.

Trailing 12-9 late in the first quarter, Dallas County’s Corey Shaw caught fire from behind the 3-point line to spark an 18-0 run. When the dust cleared, the Hornets led 27-12, and Selma’s gym was unusually silent.

DeAngelo Norris finally broke a seven-minute scoring drought with three free throws, but the Saints couldn’t cut the gap to less than 7 before the half.

The Hornets maintained control early in the third quarter as a Josh Dixon free throw extended the lead to 40-30 with more than three minutes remaining in the third quarter.

But an Andrew Mahan technical foul led to a 9-1 run that closed the gap to 40-37.

“A senior made a silly mistake, and you can’t win on the road making silly mistakes like that,” said Moore.

A DeAngelo Norris free throw later tied the game at at 42 with more than seven minutes remaining in the fourth, but the Hornets retook the lead and extended it to 6 points on a Brandon Holmes free throw.

A Wendell Lewis layup closed the gap to 51-47, but the Saints self destructed down the stretch as their turnovers led to an 8-0 run to ice the game.

“We didn’t play up to our expectations,” said Selma coach Woodie Jackoson. “We played well in spots, but we have to learn how to finish a game. We have to learn to play as a team and play together, but we’re going to be OK.”

Girls

Selma routed Dallas County in a 62-28 win on Saturday.

Keisha Moore led the Saints with 29 points, nine rebounds, and two steals. Kamesha Strong added 12 points, and Ashley Grimes finished with seven points and 17 rebounds.