After a 3-0 start in the Central California Conference this season, the Turlock High Bulldogs were looking to make it four straight league wins at home, but Golden Valley became the spoilers of the night as they topped the 'Dogs, 55-52, after a big stop at the end that included a questionable call.

Despite a horrible night shooting for the 'Dogs, they didn't receive any help from the officials as well after a very contentious night. Fouls became the name of the game for the home-team who had 10 fouls called against them mid-way through the fourth. GV had only two fouls on them at that point and was up 49-44.

In the last 11 seconds of the game Turlock was coming off a timeout, but Demsen McFaddin unfortunately missed a game-winning alley-oop opportunity after a nice inbound from Devan Bains and instead resulted in a turnover to GV and a three-point victory.

“They were shooting double bonus early in the fourth quarter and we’re not even on the free throw line late in the game,” said Turlock head coach Doug Cornfoot. “We killed ourselves with turnovers early on, with missed assignments, and we didn't run plays right and you can't do that against a good team.”

Although Turlock committed 10 turnovers for the game, most of them came in the first half after a resurrecting performance that led to a near comeback.

By the time the game had ended Turlock was called for 14 fouls while GV finished with only five fouls called against them for the entire game.

Turlock was down 23-29 after halftime and regrouped but things just didn't get any prettier for the 'Dogs despite a near fourth quarter comeback.

“We just came out flat and they hit some big shots and we couldn't get the baskets even with open looks,” Cornfoot said. “We were flat. I don't know if we were mentally prepared to play. These guys are good, every team in our league can beat anybody if we’re not ready.”

With less than three minutes left in regulation, Bains made two shots to cut the lead to one but GV retaliated to extend to a three-point lead.

By that time Turlock's Habib Velasquez notched four points to take the lead but with 40 seconds Colin Hayes tallied up two points to regain the lead.

 “We need to out hustle our opponents on the boards and all those things. If we don't this can happen again to us,” said Cornfoot.

Turlock called a timeout with 15 seconds just before McFaddin drew the fou,l but all the 'Dogs got was an inbound opportunity.

Bains found McFaddin open who went up the basket, and contact was made, but there was never a foul called and the game ended with a two-point lay-up fast break for the Cougars.

“Demsen had an open shot and good look at the end. I thought there was contact but you know they will not blow a whistle in the final seconds of the game,” Cornfoot added. “We had opportunities to win, but we didn't come out and play our best. We gotta regroup and get ready for Pitman on Friday.”

McFaddin finished the night with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Bains had a game-high 22 points and added two rebounds and one assist.

Turlock (3-1) is now tied with GV (3-1) in the CCC after only four games.

Turlock will take on the Pride of Pitman at Pitman High at 7:15 p.m. tonight.