The Swamp at River Bluff High School was the host site Tuesday for a Top 10 matchup in Class 5A boys’ basketball.

The Gators and visiting defending Class 5A champion Irmo ranked 9th and 10th, respectively, in the preseason S.C. Basketball Coaches Association poll. Both teams were also coming off strong showings in Thanksgiving tournaments.

After trailing at halftime, the Yellow Jackets used a dominant third quarter and keys plays down the stretch for the 48-43 victory.

Trevez Caldwall had 16 points, 4 assists and 4 steals and C.J. Washington added 13 points and 12 rebounds to lead Irmo. Andrew Robinson also scored 16 points and J.T. Reeves added 9 for River Bluff (3-1), who suffered their first loss of the season.

Three-point shooting enabled the Gators to take an early 8-3 lead. They would have a 23-19 advantage, but an 11-2 run to start the third quarter enabled Irmo to take 30-25 lead.

The Yellow Jackets (3-1) extended their lead as many as 7 points. River Bluff rallied to within a basket twice, only to see Caldwell and Washington hit shots and free throws to keep the Gators at distance.

"They were tougher than we were," River Bluff head coach Ben Lee said. "We have to be ready to handle aggressive play and physical play.  They put pressure on us and there were stretches where it really affected us."

Irmo travels to undefeated Lexington Friday, while River Bluff travels to Greenwood Thursday.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Irmo 57, River Bluff 27

Ehrial Wagstaff scored 20 points and Madison Dopico added 12 as the Lady Yellow Jackets evened its record to 2-2 on the season.

Dom Heldreth had 8 points to lead the Lady Gators.