Editor’s Note: This article is part of our “Throwback Thursday” series. This article is from our Jan. 7, 1994 files.

The Andalusia boys basketball team has dug a hole, and may have a long climb out.

“We’re three points away from being undefeated in our area,” Bulldog head coach Richard Robertson said.

But Robertson knows not to fold up shop just yet, especially in this area.

“Anyone of us in the area can beat somebody else on a given night,” he said. “It’s not over yet.”

���There is a lot of basketball yet to be played,” he said. “Tonight is the half way point.”

The Bulldogs travel to county rivals Opp tonight, which will be as difficult as any area game for the Bulldogs.

“They’re playing super right now,” Robertson said. “We’re going to bring the best out in them.”

Despite having to take on Opp tonight, Robertson’s concerns are with area play.

Greenville, which beat Andalusia in the opening game of the season, is currently in the driver’s seat.

“All Greenville has to do is win one more to tie for the area title,” Robertson said.

Andalusia had the chance to get back in the thick of things, but couldn’t capitalize during its 50-48 loss to Troy Tuesday night.

“We missed a golden opportunity,” Robertson said. “When they fouled us we couldn’t hit our free throws,”

The Bulldogs shot 33 free throws and only hit 22 – 66 percent. “We missed two at the end that were real critical,” the coach said.

Critical free throws weren’t the only thing plaguing the Bulldogs in the loss, ball handling also came into play.

“We turned the ball over 16 times,” Robertson said, “and missed 11 free throws and lose by one. It’s hard to stomach.”

Despite not hitting their shots from the charity stripe, Robertson was pleased with the team’s effort.

“We played hard. I couldn’t ask for any better of an effort,” he said. “It was nip and tuck all the way.”

One factor the Bulldogs have had to deal with this season is trying to come from behind.

“For the most part we’ve been playing catch up,” Robertson said. “We’re not a good catch up team. We’ve got to stay in touch.”

One of the ways the Bulldogs try to stay in touch is by keeping their opponent under 50 points.

Tuesday they did that, but couldn’t pull out the win. “Our goal is 50 and under. They scored 50 and beat us,” Robertson said. “We had the scoring in the range we wanted it in.”

“The ting is we play those close basketball games, but we find a way to lose them.”

The Bulldogs will have to shake loose the mistakes they are suffering since four of the their next five games are on the road, with the only home game set for Tuesday night against T.R. Miller.

“Last year it was just the opposite,” Robertson said of the schedule. “What goes around comes around.”