Lexington and Aiken kept pace atop the Region 5-4A boys basketball standings with wins Tuesday, setting up Friday's first-place showdown at Lexington.

The Wildcats (15-8, 5-2) bounced back from a humbling 84-59 loss to North Augusta that cost them sole possession of first place, completing a season sweep of South Aiken. Seniors Nygel Gates and Grant Hendrix paced the 65-48 win with 17 and 16 points, respectively.

Aiken (14-6, 5-2) was a 56-46 winner on Tuesday against Dutch Fork.

The Green Hornets defeated Lexington 58-42 in the first meeting on Jan. 15.

Friday’s winner takes a one game lead in the race with two final games to go next week.