A former Bulldog prevented Andalusia from playing in the championship game of the 37th annual Andalusia High School Invitational Basketball Tournament.

Elba Head Coach Karl Bledsoe, a former Bulldog who played under AHS Head Coach Richard Robertson, directed his Tigers to a 60-45 victory against his former coach last night.

The Elba Tigers used an offense that mirrored the one Robertson had used so many times to direct Bulldog squads deep into the state playoffs.

The game was tight in the first quarter with Elba building a 16-12 lead.

In the second quarter, the Tigers had sharper claws ripping off 15 points while holding the Bulldogs to just 4.

When the horn sounded signalling the halftime intermission, Elba was on top 31-16.

Andalusia trimmed the lead down to 13 points in the third quarter and trailed 42-29 entering the fourth period.

The Bulldogs got within 10 points of the Tigers in the last few minutes of the game, but were unable to catch the Tigers.

Elba outscored Andalusia 18-16 in the final quarter for a 60-45 victory and a date with the Enterprise Wildcats in the championship game at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

Andalusia will square off against the Opp Bobcats in the consolation game at 6 p.m. today.

Marchello Reed was the leading scorer for Elba with 17 points in the win. Quinton Gavin added 16 points. Matthew Curren scored 9 and Kikko Logan hit for 8 in the win.

Also scoring for Elba were Mason Gulley, LaRay Williams and Reymar Rogers.

Sophomore Josh Johnson was the top scorer for Andalusia with 16 in the loss. Andrae Wright added 13. Chris Cotton scored 6 points. Also scoring for Andalusia were Brandon Wilson, Lance Evans and D'Andre Wright.