WELLS — Despite a better showing the second time around this season, the Rebels fell to the Panthers — their Gopher Conference rivals — once again.

The NRHEG girls’ basketball team extended its win streak to 13 games and stayed perfect in conference action by defeating United South Central 71-59 Friday night in Wells.

The Panthers previously routed the Rebels 74-43 Jan. 13 in New Richland. Friday’s game looked to be another route in the making with NRHEG leading 44-18 at the half, but United South Central wasn’t going to finish that quietly. The Rebels put up 41 points in the second half in an impressive effort that kept the Panthers on their toes.

United South Central’s Shianne Robertson was once again an offensive force for the Rebels, leading the team with 20 points. Fellow senior Kate Koestler was another offensive leader with 15 points for the Rebels.

The Panthers had a number of players scoring in double digits. Maddie Wagner led NRHEG with 18 points, followed by Kayley Camerer with 16, and Marnie Wagner and Kelly Harden with 10 points each.

Both the Panthers and the Rebels will finish their regular season this week. NRHEG (20-5 overall, 12-0 Gopher Conference) will host Blue Earth Area at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday. The Buccaneers (13-11, 8-4 Big South Conference) are coming off of a 52-28 win over Luverne on Friday.

United South Central (10-13, 4-7 Gopher Conference) will host Maple River at 7:15 p.m. Monday. The Eagles (13-9, 5-5 Gopher Conference) are coming off of a 67-63 win over Bethlehem Academy on Friday and previously defeated United South Central 59-43 on Feb. 10.