After winning five of their past six games — including three back-to-back victories — the Blue Tide lost Friday to the Benedictine Military School Cadets.

However, the Long County athletes are playing better than at the start of the season. During their first five games of the year, the Tide gave up an average of 73 points a night. In their past four games, the team has allowed only 62 points a game.

Long County has been averaging a region-high 66 points on offense, up from an average of 64 points at the start of the season.

The Blue Tide is struggling when it comes to closing out teams. In five of their 10 losses, Long County lost by fewer than 3 points. In each of those games, the Tide were in the lead in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t hold on for a win. Missed free-throws hurt the squad.

In Region 2-AA, McIntosh County (12-6) is on top at 10-0. BC (15-5) is No. 2 at 10-1, and Pierce County (9-7) is in third at 6-4. Long County (7-10) is No. 4 at 5-4.

Last night, Long County took on region opponent Tattnall County in Reidsville. Results from the game weren’t available at press time. On Friday, Long County will host Pierce County in Ludowici, another region matchup.

The last time the teams met, the Tide lost a 72-71 nail-biter to the Pierce Bears.

Also on Friday, the Lady Tide (1-15) take on the Lady Bears. Both teams are struggling. The Pierce County girls (4-12) bring a 3-7 region record into the game while Long County brings a 1-8 region mark. The Blackshear squad is averaging 36 points on offense, while the Ludowici team is averaging 29 points. On defense, Pierce County is giving up 47 points, and Long County is allowing 62.

The girls game starts at 6 p.m. and the boys play at 7:30.