By Andrew Garner
The Andalusia Star-News

Straughn took an early lead and played aggressive throughout to claim a crucial 64-50 area victory over Southside.

The Tigers drained four 3-pointers in the first period to take a 16-7 lead into the second quarter. The Panthers got back in it to cut the lead to 24-18 at the break.

Straughn led 46-34 after the third period, and held on late for the victory on Friday, which improved the 10th-ranked Tigers to 12-4 overall, and 3-1 in Class 3A, Area 2.

“We took the lead and stayed aggressive,” Straughn coach Rusty Andrews said. “We hit shots. They would make a run, but they never got to us.

“That’s what we talked about,” he said. “We were going to have to make free throws, and we did.”

In fact, the Tigers were 21-for-32 from the line, while the Panthers went 14-for-23.

Because Straughn beat Southside Selma and Excel topped Opp 54-40 Thursday night, the Tigers will need to beat EHS on Tuesday to claim the regular-season area title and the right to host the area tournament.

 

Straughn 59, Southside 32 (girls)

Straughn turned the intensity up in the third period and went on a 20-0 that helped surge the Lady Tigers to a 59-32 victory over Southside Selma on Friday night.

With this win, the Lady Tigers claim the Class 3A, Area 2 regular-season title and win the right to host the area tournament, which takes place early in February.

Southside led 12-11 after the first quarter and 26-19 at halftime.The lead didn’t last long, as the Panthers were outscored 40-6 in the second half.