The Opp Bobcats defeated Bullock County 44-40 in the first round of the Class 4A, Area 2 tournament Tuesday night at St. James Academy in Montgomery.

Opp had to play its first area tournament game with Bullock County to break 1-1 regular season area record both had.

The Bobcats (6-18) led throughout the entire contest, leading 12-11 after the first quarter and 27-22 at halftime.

In the second half, Bullock County brought the game close, but the Bobcats kept a 32-30 lead after the third quarter to give the needed momentum to win the fourth 12-10 in points.

“It was the best complete game we’ve played all year,” Opp coach Ronnie Sansom said. “It was really a back and forth game and I don’t think either team had no larger than a six-point lead.”

Gavin Free led Opp with 18 points. Britt Wilson added 10 and Tyler Harrison added eight.

Sansom said the reasons why his team played a complete game was due to “defense” and “shot selection.”

“We just took care of the ball on offense and adjusted well on defense,” he said. “We rebounded the ball well. Our shot selection was the best it has been all year.”

Opp’s next area tournament game will be against Brewbaker Tech Friday night at 6:30 at Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery.

Ashford girls 45, Opp girls 23

The Ashford girls varsity basketball team ended the Lady Bobcats’ season Tuesday night with the 22-point win.

Opp finished its season with a 12-13 record. Soyia Folmar and Helena Harrison led Opp with seven points apiece.