The Mineola Yellowjackets broke open a tight first half defensive battle with a big third quarter in their 58-37 win over the Quitman Bulldogs Friday night at Ballard Memorial Gym.

The teams displayed tough defense in the first half as Mineola went to intermission holding a slim 20-18 advantage. The ‘Jackets came out firing in the second half with Kelby Bruner making good on a second chance after an offensive rebound to put Mineola up 26-20 early in the third quarter.

The ‘Jackets relentless defense caused Bulldogs turnovers and led Mineola on a 22-10 third-quarter run giving Mineola a 42-28 advantage going into the final period. Mineola senior Shaw Franklin made a steal and finished it off with a powerful dunk as time ran out in the third quarter. Franklin had 17 points for the game with Bruner adding 10.

Quitman was led by Trey Berry’s 10 points with Luke Pruden scoring nine points and Jace Reid adding eight for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs faced Lone Oak at home on Tuesday and have a bye Friday night. Mineola was at home against Grand Saline on Tuesday and travel to Edgewood Friday for an important game with Edgewood in a fight for the district lead.