HOT SPRINGS - Brendan Simmons scored 23 points, but it wasn't enough, as El Dorado fell to Morrilton 71-60 Friday on the first day of the ESPN Showcase.
Jarmel Love was also in double figures with 14 points, but the Wildcats couldn't dig themselves out of a 22-9 deficit at the end of the first quarter.
The Wildcats (1-3) trailed 35-27 at intermission, but the Devil Dogs increased their lead to 61-44 at the end of the third period before winning by the final margin.
Isaiah Ramey and Jamalzia Thompson had eight points apiece for the Wildcats, who will conclude play today against Kirby.
WILDCATS RALLY PAST CARDINALS
On Thursday night, Simmons scored 21 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, as El Dorado rallied past Camden Fairview 67-63 at Wildcat Arena.
The Wildcats trailed 41-29 at intermission, but fought back to trail the Cardinals 47-45 at the end of the third quarter before capping their comeback in the final stanza.
Simmons, who had seven rebounds and five assists, drilled his aforementioned trey midway through the fourth quarter to give the Wildcats the lead.
The Wildcats were able to stave off the Cardinals with G’savion Levingston scoring on a layup with eight seconds left to seal the win.
Ramey was also in double figures with 16 points along with six assists, and Love had nine points and seven rebounds for the Wildcats.