After shooting 50 percent from the floor and forcing 14 turnovers in the first half, the Bulldogs led 30-28 at halftime.
The Mainstreeters, however, outscored the Bulldogs 18-4 in the third quarter. The Streeters handled the ball much better against the Bulldogs' pressure defense in the second half, as the Streeters had only one turnover after intermission.
The Bulldogs mounted a rally in the fourth quarter, scoring 24 points, but the Streeters held them off with free throws and lay-ups, scoring 23 points of their own.
The Bulldogs shot 45 percent from the floor and made five three-pointers in seven attempts. But they made only nine of 21 free throws, just 43 percent. By comparison, Sauk Centre made 19 of 31 from the charity stripe.
The Mainstreeters also outrebounded the Bulldogs 40-30. Senior post Ryan Wall led Paynesville with 11 rebounds.
Senior guard Luc Trees led the Bulldogs with 20 points, and Wall added 17. Logan Louis had six assists for Paynesville, and Trees had four.
The Bulldogs face a difficult week, facing the top two teams in the conference. Last night they hosted second place Long Prairie-Grey Eagle, and on Friday they will travel to Litchfield to face the undefeated Dragons, who are rated first in the state. Next Tuesday, they will visit New London-Spicer.
| Paynesville-- | 12 | 18 | 4 | 24 | - 58 |
| Sauk Centre-- | 12 | 16 | 18 | 23 | - 69 |