Andalusia, Straughn split

Published 12:05 am Saturday, January 23, 2016

Johnathan Driver goes up for a layup during the Tigers' win over Andalusia on Friday night.

Johnathan Driver goes up for a layup during the Tigers’ win over Andalusia on Friday night.

In the final area games of the season, the Straughn Tigers and the Andalusia Bulldogs split varsity contest Friday night in Straughn.

 

GIRLS

ANDALUSIA 44, STRAUGHN 41

 

The Lady Bulldogs used a strong second half to defeat the Lady Tigers 44-41.

After trailing the first two periods, the Lady Bulldogs went up 32-28 heading into the final period.

In the fourth period, Straughn battled back and took a lead.

Andalusia retook the lead when Taz Sheridan was fouled as she dropped in a layup. The old fashioned 3-point play gave the Lady Bulldogs a lead they wouldn’t give up.

Shay Thomas led the Lady Bulldogs with 22 points in the win.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Andalusia coach Brad Garner said. “This was a game that we wouldn’t have been able to win a month or so ago. They showed maturity tonight and never gave up, even when we were down. That is what I’m most proud of.”

Brentley Armstrong led the Lady Tigers with 11 points.

Even with the loss, the Lady Tigers still earned the right to host the area tournament in two weeks.

 

BOYS

STRAUGHN 51, ANDALUSIA 40

 

With sheer will and intensity, the Tigers fought back to defeat the Bulldogs 51-40.

The Bulldogs got things started quickly and took a 9-2 lead, but the Tigers fought back to make it 9-6 at the end of the first.

Both teams continued to battle in the second period, but Andalusia was able to extend the lead to 23-17 at halftime.

Straughn’s defensive pressure in the third period was too much for the Bulldogs, and Straughn went up 32-24 at the end of third.

Andalusia’s offense got going again in the fourth, but the Tigers’ offense never slowed up, and Straughn held off the Bulldogs for an 11-point win.

B.J. Anderson led the Bulldogs with 18 points.

Keun Samuel led the Tigers with 22 points.

“We played well in the second half and played with more intensity,” Straughn coach Rusty Andrews said. “I was very proud of them tonight.”