RALEIGH — Leesville Road capitalized on an early lead and held on to top Wakefield, 68-56, Friday to resume Cap Eight conference play.

Leesville Road (8-4, 2-1), ranked No. 12 in The News & Observer’s poll of area teams, held the Wolverines scoreless for the first three minutes of the game to set the tone of the game.

Wakefield (5-5-, 1-2) never led during the game, but the Wolverines kept it interesting. The visitors cut a double-digit deficit to five in the final quarter, but couldn’t get over the hump to take control, thwarted by an equal or greater Leesville run each time.

“We’re learning how to win,” said Leesville coach Russ Frazier. “We have to learn how to close the games out. We weren’t able to hammer down a lead. Wakefield kept battling.”

A two-week down period may have contributed to Wakefield’s slow start, said coach Dexter Cooley.

“I didn’t think we came out very tough,” Cooley said. “I was a little concerned because we hadn’t played since Dec. 21, but no excuses. ... We’ve got to hit shots and make free throws and we didn’t do that.”

The Wolverines shot 4-14 from the free throw line in the second half and 9-21 overall.

Reggie Jones led the Pride with 17 points. Brandon Staves added 14 and Sanders Rohs scored 13.