MOUNDS — State ranked Cobden had quite a struggle at Meridian Tuesday night, but used a big second half to rally for a 63-51 win to remain unbeaten.

The Bobcats took advantage of early foul trouble for Appleknockers’ stud Noah Franklin. Meridian’s defensive pressure gave Cobden fits. The Bobcats led 25-21 at the half, and even with Franklin back on the floor, extended their lead to eight early in the third.

Cobden’s size then took over. At 6-7, Franklin was able to handle the pressure and orchestrate the offense. 6-10 junior Elliott Lowndes scored nine of his 15 points in the third, helping the Appleknockers regain the lead. 6-6 Tyler Franklin’s three-pointer capped a 17-4 run to give Cobden a 41-36 lead heading to the fourth.

Meridian wouldn’t go away, scoring the first five points of the fourth, tying the game at 41. Cobden then scored the next 11 points, all courtesy the Franklin brothers. The Appleknockers closed the game on a 22-10 spurt with 20 of those points split evenly between the brothers.

Tyler Franklin led all scorers with 29. Noah Franklin added 18. Tristen Mackins and Zander Kaufman led Meridian with 11 points apiece.

Cobden improves to 6-0. The Appleknockers will visit Elverado Friday. Meridian falls to 2-2. The Bobcats will be back at home Thursday night against Century.