MONTICELLO — The Lawrence County Cougars had to fight for theirplayoff lives in the opening Division 6-4A Tournament game againstSouth Pike Tuesday night. The Cougars fought off several Eaglecharges, to bring home a hard-fought 42-39 win.

The No. 2-seed Cougars improve to 23-4, and take on theMcComb/Brookhaven winner Thursday night, at 8:30 p.m. The Eagles,seeded No. 7, finished their season at 5-25.

The No. 2-seed Cougars improve to 23-4, and take on theMcComb/Brookhaven winner Thursday night, at 8:30 p.m. The Eagles,seeded No. 7, finished their season at 5-25.

In other first-round action, the Brookhaven girls got a 43-29win over Lawrence County. The Jim Hill girls got by Terry 68-56,and will meet Brookhaven Thursday night at 7 p.m.

Lawrence Co. 42, South Pike 39

Both teams were flat from the start. Offenses were at a minimum.Neither team could find the basket, as defense came into playthroughout the night; with 5 points being the largest lead byeither team.

The Cougars would garner the early advantage with a 10-6 lead,heading into the second frame. LCHS, coached by Bobby Lee, wouldhold a 17-16 cushion entering the halftime locker room.

South Pike used the Harlem Globetrotter weave offense during thesecond half. Several of the Eagles’ possessions would go nearly 3minutes before a shot attempt took place. Eagle guard CadarriusGrady authored 6 points in the period, as head coach Joe Taylor’ssquad trailed 29-27 heading into the final stanza.

The Eagles continued to fight their way back into the game.Grady’s shooting would eventually allow his teammates to takeseveral brief leads in the final 8 minutes. Grady’s third trey ofthe period got their last lead at 38-37. A free throw by RandyCarter made it a 2-point lead, 39-37.

LCHS tied the game at 39-39 on a pair of free throws by JustinLewis. David Clark gave Lee’s team the lead for good, 41-39, with1:48 left in the game. Victor Longino’s free throw with nearly 20seconds left on the clock, made for the final margin ofvictory.

Grady missed a mid-court jumper, as time expired. The Cougarseason was extended at least 3 more games. Grady led the Eagleswith 20 points.

Clark led all scorers with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blockedshots. Lewis added 12 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocked shots and 2steals. Ray Collins dished out 4 assists.