STURGIS — Visiting Dowagiac was swept by Sturgis in its Wolverine Conference South Division opener Friday night.

Despite a 27-point effort by Chieftain senior Kellyn Daly, Dowagiac dropped a 56-44 decision to the host Trojans.

Dowagiac trailed just 12-10 after one quarter, but found itself down 26-18 at the half and 37-30 heading into the final eight minutes of play.

Sturgis outscored the Chieftains 19-14 in the fourth quarter to break the game open.

Shelby Bennett led the Trojans with 12 points.

The Chieftains are now 1-3 overall and 0-1 in South Division play.

Dowagiac hosts Benton Harbor at 6:30 p.m. today in a non-conference contest.

Boys basketball

In a game that was close throughout, visiting Dowagiac was outscored 16-11 in the fourth quarter in its 59-52 loss to Sturgis Friday night.

The Chieftains (1-4, 0-2 Wolverine South) cut a 34-25 halftime deficit to 43-41 by the end of the third quarter, but could not overtake the Trojans, who improved to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the South.

D.J. Lanier had a team-high 18 points. Trae Brookins added 12 points for the Chieftains, who will host Lakeshore Tuesday night.

Drew Murphy scored a game-high 24 points for the Trojans.