Turlock Christian High’s league finale against Big Valley Christian High on Thursday came down to the wire as the Eagles were dealt their second closest lost via a four-point margin, 57-61.

TC entered halftime with a one-point lead only to watch the Lions roar back and take a ten-point lead in the early stages of the third quarter. The Eagles very nearly pulled off a comeback win to cap the Central California Athletic Alliance season, but late turnovers and missed shots put the win out of reach.

“Having the lead at halftime, 27-26, coming out in the second half and being down by 10, fighting back in the fourth quarter to take the lead. It was a playoff atmosphere,” TC assistant coach Mark Brown said. “Hopefully that gets us ready for the playoffs.”

The loss moves TC’s league record to 6-8. Despite finishing under .500, however, the Eagles are not yet finished on the court as they will host a home playoff game next year as the fourth seed in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI Tournament. This will mark the third consecutive year TC enters the playoffs as the fourth seed.

“It’s getting back and redeeming ourselves,” Brown said. “I think the boys will be ready to go and we’ll try our best to get them ready.”

TC’s need for redemption can be traced back to the first round of last year’s SJS DVI Tournament where TC was eliminated at home in a heart breaking, last second win from Stockton Christian High.

 Playoff brackets will be announced on Monday with the first round expected to be played on Feb. 20.