The Union High basketball team couldn’t hold onto a lead last night.

The Scotties led Ellwood City Lincoln by five points late in the fourth quarter, and by two with just over a minute left, but faltered down the stretch in a 49-46 loss in the opening round of the Ellwood City Tipoff Tournament.

“We didn’t step up and they made the most of it,” Union coach Mark Stanley said. “We missed some free throws down the stretch that hurt. We didn’t get it done.”

Rick Roth led the Wolverines with 13 points, while Nick Ioanilli added 12 and D.J. Barrett chipped in with 10.

Garrison Bell paced the Scotties with 14 points and Cornell Charles added 10.

“I thought Garrison played great,” Stanley said. “There are some things we still have to work on, but I’m pleased overall. They’re still learning to get their feet under them.”

Dominick Dudo had seven rebounds for Union and Bell and Jullian Johnson each picked off five caroms. Bell and Johnson came up with four steals apiece.

“I can’t fault the effort the gave. If they continue to do that, we’ll be fine. We just need to shore up some things,” Stanley said. “We need to learn how to win the close ones, but that will come.”

Union plays Beaver Falls at 6 p.m. today in the consolation game, while Ellwood City plays Laurel for the championship at 7:30.