Red Level stepped up its game on defense, found the basket in the third period and beat McKenzie 69-46 on Thursday night at MHS.

RLS trailed 16-13 after the first period, thanks to a four-point play at the buzzer.

However, RLS regrouped and outscored MHS 20-10 in the second period to lead 33-26 at half time.

“There weren’t really any adjustments we had to make,” RLS coach Allen Catrett said about the second period. “We just had to execute better.”

In the third period, RLS did just that, Catrett said.

“We played a better defense, and started making shots,” he said.

RLS improves to 19-10 to end the regular season.

KJ Lawrence led RLS with 24 points and 11 points for a double-double; Raheem Bullock chipped in 11 points; and James Feagin had nine points. Justin Maddox and JT Hall had six points each.

RLS will travel to Elba next Friday for its start of the Class 2A, Area 2 tournament.

The Tigers will face New Brockton at 6 p.m. in the first round.