Red Level dug itself too many holes and couldn’t get out of them as the Tigers took a close 67-66 season-opening loss to Houston Academy at the Enterprise Wildcats Thanksgiving Tournament tonight.

The Tigers (0-1) trailed throughout the entire contest. In fact, RLS found itself down 18-7 in the first period and was down by 20 in the third period.

“We had too many defensive break downs and mental errors,” Tigers coach Allen Catrett said. “We just dug ourselves a hole two different times.”

The Tigers trailed 38-28 at half time and had a late surge in the fourth period, taking their only lead at 61-60.

KJ Lawrence led RLS with 27 points. Dee Tolbert added 16 points, Tim Sims and Justin Maddox had eight points each.

RLS was 8-of-12 from the free-throw line, compared to Houston Academy being 16-of-35.

Howell led H.A. with 24 points. Thompson had 23 points.