JEFFERSON CITY - The Bulldogs whittled a 16-point deficit to two in the fourth quarter before eventually bowing to the Bears in Saturday night's season opener in the Frisco League/Show-Me Conference Shootout.
South Callaway - making its debut under new head coach Seth Thomas - trailed 14-11 after one quarter and 26-21 at halftime. Richland then outscored the Bulldogs 21-12 in the third quarter to widen its lead to 47-33.
South Callaway has only had three practices with its full roster due to the football team's extended season. The Bulldogs didn't make a 3-pointer on Saturday night and were just 7-of-18 from the free-throw line.
Senior guard Treysen Gray tallied 24 points to direct South Callaway and senior guard Dylan Paschang followed with 18.
"Overall, I was pleased with the effort of the boys throughout the game," Thomas said. "I was extremely pleased with how we battled back to cut the lead to two points late in the fourth quarter.
"This group will continue to get better and better as the year goes on, and as we continue to work together in practice."
Ethan Fagre paced Richland with a game-high 25 points.
The Bulldogs play their home opener against defending Class 2 state champion Van-Far at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27.