Andalusia almost blew a double-digit lead to rival Opp, but the Bulldogs held on and went to a 57-51 road victory over the Bobcats Friday night.

AHS led by 13 points at halftime, but Bulldogs coach Richard Robertson said he wasn’t fooled by the score at that point.

“We knew they were going to come back on us,” Robertson said. “We still won. I’m proud of them for not quitting.”

Andalusia’s Devante Jackson led the Bulldogs with 16 points. Sam Byrd chipped in 12 points and Jayden Ellison had 11.

Opp levied up a good defense in the first half, and kept AHS at bay, forcing the game to get within one point at 50-49.

Bobcats coach Sterling Driver said he thought his team played good defense, but a couple turnovers put the ball back in the Bulldogs’ grasp.

“We gave up a couple turnovers that swung the momentum toward them,” Driver said. “They kind of got ahead of us on a couple passes down court.

“We played good defense and we changed up a couple things, like extending to a full court press,” he said. “Then, we started hitting big shots.”

JaKeith Edwards led OHS with 13 points. Tavis Stoudemire had 10 points; Ty White and Chris Weeks had eight points each.

Robertson said problems arose because of his team’s mistakes.

“I ain’t taking nothing from (Opp),” Robertson said. “What they did really wasn’t as much of them hurting us, but of us hurting ourselves.”

Driver said this loss was a good measuring stick for the team.

“I was very proud of my guys,” the Opp coach said. “We’ve got a lot of positive things going for us. We have a good chance to do some great things this year.”

In girls action, Opp beat Andalusia 45-33.

LaDestiny Davis led the Lady Bobcats with 16 points and Nisha Stoudemire chipped in 13 points.

Andalusia’s Alexis Lawrence led with 10 points and Tylesha Malcolm had nine points.

In B-team boys action, Andalusia beat Opp 40-20.

Cameron Woods led the Bulldogs with 12 points, Nathan Langley and Kendarius Townsend had six points each.

Opp’s Cody Finley had seven points. Chris Morrow chipped in six.

Andalusia will be back in action on Tuesday at home against Luverne. This will be the Bulldogs’ home-opener.

Opp travels to Red Level on Tuesday.