CULVER – A slow start proved to be the downfall for the Lakeland Christian Academy boys basketball team Friday night.

The Cougars fell behind 13-7 after the opening quarter en route to dropping a 48-39 final at Culvert Academy.

The hosts built a 26-12 halftime lead and a 38-20 advantage after three periods of play before the Cougars rallied in the final stanza.

Zarek Finley led LCA with 15 points and also had five steals. Collin Price netted 11 points and had five rebounds for the Cougars.

Calvin Prinsen scored eight points and had eight rebounds and Chris Maron had five points and six rebounds for LCA, which falls to 5-13 with its fifth straight loss.

Nick Zalduendo poured in 26 points to lead Culver Academy, which snapped a seven-game losing streak.  Bradley Fisher added 11 points for the winners, now 2-13 on the season.

LCA plays at Community Baptist Tuesday night.