LOVINGTON — The Clovis Wildcats never got quite into rhythm Tuesday night. But they did get a win.

The Wildcats jumped out early on the Class 3A Lovington Wildcats, claiming a 67-60 win.

D.J. Blackmon scored 22 points to lead Clovis (14-6), and John Dawson added 16 for Clovis in its final game before opening District 4-5A play Friday at Hobbs.

Clovis coach Matt King said it was difficult to sustain any offense on the night due to a game heavy on fouls. In the third quarter alone, 20 fouls were called between the teams. The Wildcats were never seriously threatened after an 18-9 lead.

“The teams never got into any rhythm,” King said. “The game was just choppy. We got out pretty well, pretty much maintained that throughout the game. We’re glad to get out with a win.”

Junior guard Andrew Homer scored 18 to lead Lovington (7-15).

The Wildcats will go into Ralph Tasker Arena looking to keep pace with current district leader Carlsbad. The Cavemen defeated Hobbs 69-66 to open district play Tuesday. The Wildcats have two games against the Eagles and the Cavemen left to close out the regular season.

“I feel good about our pre-district,” King said. “I think we’ve learned a lot, and we’re playing OK. It’s a new season now, and we’ve got to be on our best on Friday night.”