The Columbus Wildcats came up short in a pair of thrilling home basketball games against Van Buren County last night in Columbus Junction. The Columbus girls led a low-scoring game 17-12 at halftime and were still in front by five, 26-21, going into the final quarter. But Van Buren exploded for 23 points in the final period and found a way to rally, handing the Wildcats back-to-back losses.

Sophomore Isabel Rendon scored a team-high 16 points for Columbus and added five rebounds and five assists. Point guard Ariana Vergara had eight points and seven steals, while fellow junior Aracely Garza also had seven steals and piled up six points and 10 rebounds. Junior Lily Coil added seven points and six boards, but it was not enough to keep the ‘Cats from falling to 9-3.

The Columbus boys also barely lost to VBC 59-56, dropping them to 2-7. Both Wildcat teams will try to bounce back when they return to their home hardwood tonight against Hillcrest Academy.