Prior Lake dropped to 10-9 overall (3-7 in the SSC). It will return to the conference hardwood Feb. 3 at Farmington at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, against the Sabers, it was a close game at the break with the Lakers trailing just 26-24. Shakopee built a double-digit lead in the second half, but Prior Lake fought back.

The Lakers trailed 59-53 with 4:24 to play and was down 61-55 with 2:12 to go. Senior Sam McElwain pulled down on offensive rebound and scored with 2:01 remaining to keep the Lakers within striking distance at 63-57.

But Shakopee hit its free throws down the stretch to close out the Lakers and win the season series. The Sabers beat Prior Lake 75-55 back on Dec. 19.

Senior Shaye Barton led the Lakers with 16 points in the home loss, followed by sophomore Riley Wheatcraft with 12 and McElwain with 11.

Eighth-grader McKenna Hofschild finished with nine points, while sophomore Brooke Glass had six and sophomore Cassandra Herubin and junior Michelle Lother each had three.

Following the Farmington game, the Lakers get another Section 2AAAA foe Feb. 6 at home versus Lakeville South in SSC action 7 p.m. The Cougars won the first meeting 79-67 back on Jan. 2.

Prior Lake is 3-6 since the start of the New Year. The Lakers are 1-3 versus section teams with their one win versus Burnsville.

Prior Lake is home to No. 2-ranked Eastview Feb. 10 in SSC play at 7 p.m., and is at Burnsville in league action Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.

To see more photos of the Lakers' loss to Shakopee, go to Scoreboard's Facebook page:https://business.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.954305931261424.1073742345.197190936972931&type=3&business_id=718207758255971