Bulldogs rout Bobcats

Published 12:02 am Saturday, December 4, 2010

Andalusia’s defense held Opp to only five points in the first half, and the Bulldogs came away with a 60-32 win over the Bobcats on Friday night.

The Bulldogs (8-1) held the Bobcats to three points in the first period, and outscored Opp 25-3.

Andalusia used its high-pressure on the inside, and executed passes in the middle for easy lay-ups on transition.

“Our pressure got them,” AHS coach Richard Robertson said. “They’re a lot better than what the score indicates. I know that.

“We’re glad to have another win, but I’m pretty sure when they come to our place next week for our tournament, they’ll play a lot better,” he said.

The Bulldogs took a commanding 47-5 lead at half time.

Andalusia played its second string players the entire second half, when the Bobcats came out and outscored the Bulldogs 11-6 in the third period, and 16-7 in the fourth.

OHS coach Ronnie Sansom said a bright spot in Friday’s game was the second half play.

“I was proud of the way they came back out in the second half and didn’t quit,” Sansom said. “We did keep playing hard.

“We’ve got to handle the pressure and execute a little bit better,” he said. “Games like this are hopefully preparing us for the area games.”

The Bobcats showed impressive effort despite the gaping lead Andalusia had over them.

Opp remains without a win this season, and fell to 0-4.

Andalusia’s J.D. Dooley led the Bulldogs with 10 points. Jacard Townsend had nine points; Victor Benson had eight points; and Nigel Jones and Derrick King chipped in six points each.

Opp’s Steadman Gerber led the Bobcats with 10 points. Tyler Harrison had six points, and Dane Buckelew added five points.

Andalusia and Opp will play again in the 44th annual Andalusia Christmas Invitational tournament next week. The Bulldogs will start the tournament on Thurs., Dec. 9, against Florala. Opp will play Elba on Friday night.

In B-team action, the Bulldogs won 33-31 in overtime.