Triton’s varsity boys basketball team had a 36-26 lead at halftime at Union Pines on Friday night but the Vikings came back for a 54-51 Tri-County Six 3-A Conference win.

“They changed defenses in the second half,” said Hawks coach T.J. Morrison. “We rushed and didn’t execute well. … Also, we gave up too many drives and second shots.”

Morrison cited free throw shooting as a factor with Triton going 12 of 25 from the line for the game.

Derreon Burnett led the Hawks (8-8, 1-1) with 17 points and eight rebounds. Burnett made eight of 11 field goal attempts. Kalil Hodges had 12 points and five assists.

Colby Parker and Emari White had eight points each for Triton. Parker claimed seven rebounds. Travion Sanders added four points for the Hawks and Josiah Lett added two points.

The Triton varsity girls fell to 6-10 overall and 1-1 in league play with a 55-21 loss to the Lady Vikings.

Sophomore Kaila Cooney and freshman Ashlyn Vincent had six points each for the Triton girls. Hannah Jackson scored five and Anastasia McDonald added four points.

Triton hosts Western Harnett on Tuesday night.