MEADVILLE — When the host Franklin County Bulldogs needed a bigplay Saturday night, they got it from Bulldog junior center MarcusTillman.

With eight seconds left to play, Tillman scored the game-winninglayup to help the host Bulldogs to a 60-59 win over the ChoctawCentral Warriors in the championship finals of the SouthMississippi Class 3A Boys Tournament.

Franklin County advances to the MHSAA Class 3A State BoysTournament at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson. The Bulldogs(23-7) play Monday, March 7, at 8 p.m. in the semifinals. FranklinCounty received an opening-round bye and will face the winner ofthe game between the North No 2 and South No. 3 teams.

Choctaw Central (22-13) is the South No. 2 seed.

In the consolation game last night, Forest eliminated Tylertown66-61 for third place.

“This was a real good win,” said Franklin County boys coachChris Jordan. “We beat a very good ball club.”

Choctaw Central, coached by Scott Thomas, held a 59-58 leadbefore Tillman’s game-winning layup. The Bulldogs had led theWarriors 42-26 at the half but a 15-7 run cut the hosts lead to49-41 going into the final frame.

“It feels good going to the state tournament,” said Bulldogsenior point guard Deandre Cameron. “This has been a long timecoming.”

Powering the Bulldogs with 19 points and 8 rebounds was Tillman.Jonathan Brooks fired in 15 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, made 4steals and had 2 assists. Jasper O’Quinn led off the backboardswith 7 rebounds, made 2 steals and had 4 assists. Wesley Brownblocked 2 shots.

For Choctaw Central, Jaric Anderson led with 23 points,including 5 treys. Netting 15 points was Wesley King.