Tyler Lions (from left) Keiland Garvey, Jaishua Brown, Cameron Singleton and Jasyn Grayson prepare to play defense against Prosper Walnut Grove during their bi-district game on Tuesday at North Forney High School. (Phil Hicks/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

FORNEY — For the last month the Lions have been in playoff mode as a loss would hamper their chance to make the postseason.

Tyler kept winning to gain the playoffs, but ran out of gas on Tuesday, falling to Prosper Walnut Grove, 59-44, in a Class 5A Division I bi-district basketball game at North Forney High School gym.

“We just fell so far behind and got in foul trouble,” said Tyler Coach Justin Johnson, who has led the Lions to four consecutive postseason appearances. “It was tough to come back, but the kids kept fighting. I’m proud of our team for being in playoff mode for the last two weeks.”

The Lions end their season at 20-13, while the Wildcats (28-9) advance to area to face Frisco Heritage (29-4) at 7 p.m. Friday at McKinney High School. The Coyotes defeated Frisco Wakeland, 87-57, on Tuesday in Frisco.

Tyler led the Wildcats, 18-17, with 3:47 showing before halftime, but the Lions’ offense went into a drought. Walnut Grove scored the final 11 points of the first half to take a 28-18 lead at intermission and the first 12 points of the third quarter for a 40-18 advantage.

The Lions tried to rally, getting within 53-42 with 2:35 remaining in the fourth, but that was as close as they could get.

Geordon Mitchell led Tyler with 11 points, followed by Jasyn Grayson (10), Keiland Garvey (9), Jaishua Brown (8) and Damien Yarbrough (6).

Mitchell had two 3-pointers with one from Garvey. The Lions were 3 of 15 from 3-point and 5 of 10 at the free throw line.

Grayson had nine rebounds. Also grabbing boards were Garvey (7), Brown (4), Cameron Singleton (3) and Yarbrough (3).

Mitchell, Garvey and Yabrough each had three steals with blocks from Garvey (2), Brown (2) and Grayson (2).

Three Wildcats were in double figures — Parker Evanson (17), Byron Scott Jr. (14) and Mason Ward (12). Also scoring were Chase Brooks (7), Kayden Primus (4), Conlin Anderson (3) and Monta Ellis Jr. (2).

Hitting 3-pointers for Walnut Grove were Evanson (4), Ward (2), Scott (1) and Anderson (1).

The Wildcats were 8 of 18 from 3-point and 16 of 19 at the free throw line.

Atteson Reeves did not score for Walnut Grove, but he had 10 rebounds and four blocks. Evanson and Ward each had eight rebounds.

Lions seniors include: forward Jaishua Brown, guard Alec Dewberry, guard Keiland Garvey, forward La’Tavion Golden, forward Tayvean McMiller, guard Geordon Mitchell, forward Cameron Singleton and forward Damien Yarbrough.

Juniors include: guard Caden Granberry and forward Jasyn Grayson, and sophomore Raykell Ford.