Having not won yet in the OHSL Liberty division this winter, the Skaneateles girls basketball team came close to breaking that spell against a long-time rival. The Lakers hung right with visiting Marcellus on Friday night, only to slip away in the late going of a 38-31 loss to the Mustangs. All through the first half, Skaneateles played sound team defense,and that, combined with a regular string of baskets in the second quarter, allowed the Lakers to seize a 17-16 halftime edge. In the fact of the Mustangs’ pressure, though, the Lakers cooled off in the second half, giving Marcellus enough room to go back in front. For its part, Skaneateles had Jordan Dudden produce seven points, while Mary Buck and Emily Call each had six points. Jackie Leslie and Ashley Sheldon had five points apiece. Marcellus controlled the paint, though, as forwards Marie Temara (16 points) and Melissa Lee (14 points) accounted for most of its offense. Prior to this, the girls Lakers hosted Bishop Ludden last Tuesday night and took a 56-31 loss to the Gaelic Knights, who reclaimed a share of first place in the OHSL Liberty division when Westhill lost to Phoenix 39-30. There were points where Skaneateles kept up with Ludden, but an opening 17-8 run and the Gaelic Knights’ 24-9 third-quarter outburst made the difference. Sheldon still led the Lakers with 12 points, with Buck and Call each getting five points. On Ludden’s side, Ashley Cianfirglia (15 points), Kayla Kibling (11 points) and Bella Knapp (eight points) combined for seven 3-pointers. Skaneateles plays at Westhill this Thursday night.