BAINBRIDGE — The Americus-Sumter boys basketball team took a step back on Tuesday.

The Panthers trailed 37-24 at the half and was held to 13 second-half points in a 72-37 loss.

"We really didn't come to play — we didn't play defense, and we didn't execute on the offensive end," said coach Michael Coley. "Mentally, we were not there."

Troubles started for the team even before it arrived for the game as the bus broke down about 30 minutes outside Bainbridge and had a wait of an hour.

After dropping a 59-56 loss at home to the Bearcats on Jan. 22, Coley said he would be looking for answers at Wednesday's practice.

"The first half we had some turnovers, and they came out with a lot of intensity being senior night," he said. "We withstood their initial run at the beginning of the game. But in the second half, our transition defense was terrible, and we didn't close out on their shooters. They shoot well at home. In this region, you've got to be able to play at home and on the road."

James Burton scored 11, and Deonte Fulks had seven for the Panthers (6-15, 1-3).

Americus-Sumter still has a chance to finish second in the sub-region with wins over Lee County on Friday and Thomas County Central on Tuesday.

"The two seed is an obtainable goal for us right now," said Coley.