LINDEN — R.C. Hatch had four girls score in double figures as it dropped the hosting Patriots 54-35 Tuesday night.

The Bobcats rushed out of the gate, taking a 10-1 lead at the end of the first quarter.

“We’re just now getting to understand how to play within the game,” Linden head coach Andro Williams said.

His team put together a much better showing in the second quarter when it outscored Bobcats 15-12 in the period. However, after trailing only 22-16 at halftime, the Patriots fell victim to a relentless R.C. Hatch attack in the third quarter.

“We’re just now starting to find an identity as well as getting into basketball shape,” Williams said of his team’s developing sense of the game. “We tried to stay within our system a little bit. We’ve just got to stay consistent.”

Linden watched as R.C. Hatch posted a 23-8 advantage in the third quarter to take a commanding lead and effectively put the game out of reach.

“We’ve got to learn how to react instead of thinking,” Williams said.

Williams said his team will continue to work on developing its fundamental skills and understanding as it continues through its out-of-area play.

“I think it’s going to help us down the line in our area,” Williams said of playing teams such as the 2A Bobcats. “I think it’s going to help us in January.

Tuesday night saw Terrica Craig lead Linden with 10 points. Megin Hinton contributed eight while Kristi Lloyd finished with seven. Kileema Rogers added six in the loss.

Ashley Wilkins headed up the RCH effort with 15 points. DaQuicha Coleman scored 12 while Alnecia Abraham dropped in 11 and Arailia Boddie added 10.