PROCTORVILLE - The defense put up the stops, but the offense just wouldn't drop.

While the Fairland Dragons gave their best defensive effort, the offense failed to convert in a 36-32 Ohio Valley Conference loss Tuesday to the River Valley Raiders.

"Defensively, that was one of the most impressive performances I've ever coached. We really played well. I can't say enough about our kids defensive effort," Fairland coach Chad Belville said.

The offense was another story. The Dragons missed 14 layups and were just 13 of 50 from the floor for just 26 percent.

"There were just so many easy shots we missed. We just can't catch a break," Belville said.

The Dragons were up 6-2 in the first quarter when Darren Clark hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to get River Valley within 6-5.

Fairland was only one of 11 from the field in the second quarter and scored 3 points to fall behind 11-9 at the half.

In the third quarter, Zach Pemberton had 6 points and Matt Burd and Kyle Wise 4 each as the Dragons took a 25-24 lead despite 9 points by the Raiders Steven Harder. However, Cory Ehman hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give River Valley a 27-25 lead.

With River Valley up 35-32, the Dragons had two shots down the stretch but failed to convert.

"We gave ourselves a chance, but we could not get a shot to fall," Belville said. "I'm proud of our guys. They gave a great effort. They deserved to win."

Burd had 8 points and eight rebounds for the Dragons (3-10, 2-4). Harder had 13 points and eight rebounds for the Raiders (7-5, 3-3).

River Valley56169-36

Fairland63167-32

RIVER VALLEY (7-5, 3-3):

Chris Roush 0-2 (0-3) 0-0 0, Cory Ehman 0-0 (1-1) 0-0 3, Darren Clark 0-4 (1-2) 7-8 10, John Casto 0-0 (0-0) 0-0 0, Derek Smith 0-1 (0-1) 2-3 2, Michael Cordell 1-3 (0-0) 0-0 2, Colby Reese 2-8 (0-1) 2-2 6, Steven Harder 6-17

(0-0) 1-1 13. Totals: 11-43

(2-8)

12-14

36. Fouls: 11. Fouled out: None. Rebounds: 26 (Harder 8, Reese 6). Assists: 4 (Roush 3). Turnovers: 24.

FAIRLAND (3-10, 2-4):

Kyle Wise 2-5 (0-2) 1-2 5, Josh Johnson 1-7 (0-1) 3-4 5, Travis Cardwell 0-3 (0-2) 0-0 0, J.B. Smith 0-3 (0-0) 2-4 2, Todd Maynard 1-4 (0-2) 0-0 2, Zach Pemberton 3-7 (0-0) 0-0 6, Daniel Spears 2-4 (0-0) 0-0 4, Matt Burd 4-10 (0-0) 0-0 8. Totals: 13-50 (0-7)

6-10

32. Fouls: 17. Fouled out: None. Rebounds: 22 (Burd 8, Pemberton 4). Assists: 3 (3 with one). Turnovers: 14.