OMAHA - Top-ranked Lincoln High was unable to protect an 11-point lead in the first half as No. 8 Omaha South rallied for a 52-49 win on Saturday, handing the Links their second close loss in as many nights.

With the game tied 39-39, Mike Wilkins started the decisive 7-0 run for the Packers, which came after Lincoln High's Tobin Reinwald had fouled out of the game.

South (10-6) went 6-for-8 from the free-throw line in the final minute, leaving Lincoln High (14-4) with only a desperation three-point heave at the buzzer.

"We relaxed, and we couldn't do that," said Lincoln High coach Dan Noble, pointing out how a lack of focus cost the Links from the field (21-of-49), from the free-throw line (4-of-10) and in lapses defensively at key moments.

Lincoln High dropped to 5-3 in games decided by four points or fewer. Omaha South had been 0-3 in one-possession games, counting an overtime loss to No. 6 Creighton Prep a week ago.

Duol Mayot led the Packers with 14 points. John Harris had 12 for Lincoln High.