The Andalusia Bulldogs split area games against Hillcrest-Evergreen on Tuesday night in Andalusia.

GIRLS

ANDALUSIA 54,

HILLCREST 40

Andalusia used a big second half to knock off the Hillcrest-Evergreen Lady Jaguars 54-40 on Tuesday night.

The Lady Bulldogs grabbed the first score of the game when Shalisa Thomas came up with a steal and took it down the floor for a layup.

However, the Lady Jaguars got hot and went up 7-2.

Thomas came up with several steals and buckets in the opening period, but Hillcrest was on top 12-10 heading into the second period.

Hillcrest went up 20-13 in the second period, before Deniah Lawson came up with two big buckets to trim it do 20-17.

Andalusia got a last second bucket from India Dowling-Green as Hillcrest took a 22-21 lead into halftime.

The Lady Bulldogs came charging out of the gate in the third period as a quick bucket from Thomas put Andalusia up 23-22.

Thomas continued her hot start and then a bucket from Symone Reed put Andalusia up 30-23.

The Lady Bulldogs took control of the contest as they built a 34-27 lead heading into the fourth period.

In the final period, the Lady Bulldogs continued to roll as they mounted a big lead.

Both teams continued to battle, but the Lady Bulldogs off the Lady Jaguars for a 54-40 victory.

Thomas led the Lady Bulldogs with 24 points in the win.

“It took all four quarters to beat Hillcrest,” Andalusia head coach Harrison Mims said. “As far as athletes, they are the toughest team we’ve played. It took four quarters and they rose to the challenge. That’s all that I can ask for.”

Mims said he was pleased with the way the girls played.

“Just the ability to adapt and adjust,” Mims said when asked what stood out in the game. “We came in, I threw a lot at them at halftime and they answered and did everything I asked.”

At the break, the Lady Bulldogs were down 22-21, but surged in the second half to come away with a double-digit win.

“We knew that if we could get good spacing and the right angles, we knew we could come up with some transition steals. We went it with that being a goal at halftime. Not letting them get set and not let them get into a rythm.”

With the win, the Lady Bulldogs move to 3-0 in area play.

“It’s such a major improvement from last year,” Mims said. “We just have this thing, where we is greater than me and they are buying in. We knew it was going to be a process. With the transition of coaches and everything, we knew it was going to take some time, but I’ve got no complaints.”

BOYS

HILLCREST 76,

ANDALUSIA 30

In the final game of the evening, the No.1-ranked Jaguars took control early and cruised to a 76-30 win.

Hillcrest went up with a 3-pointer to start the game and then Keaun Samuel came up with a dunk on the other end.

Andalusia took a 9-8 lead when Franklin Osorio dropped in a 3-pointer.

Andalusia then went up 10-9 before a Hillcrest began to run away with the game.

At halftime, the Jaguars were on top 49-20.

Hillcrest cruised in the second half to come away with a 76-30 win.