After an emotional win over crosstown rival Dos Pueblos, the San Marcos boys basketball team lost a Channel League game at Cabrillo, 44-38, on Friday.

Cabrillo and San Marcos are both 2-1 in league play.

“Slow start cost us the game,” said San Marcos coach Jelani Hicks. After being down 15 points in the first quarter, the Royals “made a valiant effort to make a comeback, but Cabrillo did a great job finishing and starting the game strong.”

Aidan Mandel led San Marcos with 15 points, and Shakir Ahmad added 12. And there was a “great rebounding effort by TJ Robinson,” Hicks said.

San Marcos plays Windward Saturday at the Heritage Christian Showcase. The Royals get another shot at Cabrillo Tuesday at home.

Noozhawk correspondent Dennis Moran can be reached at sports@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.