Murphysboro outscored Sparta 40-31 in the second half to pull away for a 70-56 win Saturday night in nonconference action.

The Bulldogs fell behind 18-12 in the first quarter and trailed 30-25 at halftime.

Murphysboro extended its lead in the second half, outscoring Sparta 13-11 in the third and 27-20 in the fourth for the 14-point win.

Dre’Shean Payne and Dylan Craig each scored 20 points to lead Murphysboro.

The Sparta offense was led by Dartanus White with 16 points, Jordan Thompson with 14 and Wes Kiner with 10.

Sparta dropped to 6-3 on the season with the loss.