The Tooele High School boys basketball team weren't able to hang on to a third-quarter lead against Bear River Tuesday night on the road.

The Bears rallied in the fourth quarter scoring 24 to the Buffaloes 15 points to win 78-74. Tooele (2-4) hung in with Bear River through half-time, down only two points, 34-32. In the third quarter, sharp shooting by Tanner Stuart, Derrick Anderson and Matt Wihongi that helped give them a 59-53 lead. But the Buffs couldn't hold on, only scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Bears posted 24 points on the board.

"Bear River is one of the best teams we've played so far this year," said head coach Ray Braizer. "They are very physical and athletic and our players disregarded it. They didn't look at their size or physical appearance. They played will all heart and the intent to win."

Stuart lead THS with 18 points including and junior Boone Baird chipped in 13 as well.

"Derrick and Boone had a great, breakout game," Braizer said. "There's no question that they improved."

Although few turnovers were committed, the times the ball was turned over turned into points for Bear River.

"They slowed us down a bit, and this was our best game in not committing turnovers," Braizer said. "When we did, they converted."

Part of what kept Tooele in the game was their three-point shooting. Baird, Anderson and Stuart each chipped in three with Jake Dalton making two and Wihongi adding another.

"We played just a very good game," he said. "It came down to us missing a few tip-ins and that's why they came out on top."

Stuart's hot-hand kept the Buffs fired up as he connected on seven field goals.

"Tanner not only had a good offensive game, but defensive as well," Braizer said. "He did well on both sides of the court."

But the Buffs couldn't hold on with two Bear River players scoring more than 20 points.

"We made some adjustments defensively that bests fits our team," Braizer said. "These kids will fight no matter the circumstances."

The Buffaloes will be on the road again when they take on West High School Friday night.

Missy Thompson: missy@tooeletranscript.com