STRINGER — The Mt. Olive Pirates clipped the West Lincoln Bears52-49 Saturday afternoon in the consolation game in the MHSAA SouthState Class 1A playoffs at Stringer High School. The top threeteams from each division advances to Jackson for the StateTournament this week.

In Friday’s semifinals, Durant dumped West Lincoln 53-39.

West Lincoln finished its season with a 21-10 record.

Mt. Olive 52, West Lincoln 49

“We played really well offensively and defensively in the firsthalf, but our lead should have been more than 13 points,” said WestLincoln coach Lane Young of the consolation game. “Mt. Olive got alittle momentum heading into halftime and it carried over into thesecond half.

“The two things we talked about all year, protecting thebasketball and making wide open shots under the goal, came back tohaunt us tonight. We didn’t deserve to win with the way we playedin the second half. It’s very disappointing having a 20-point leadand not doing the things you have to do to keep it.”

West Lincoln led Mt. Olive 18-4 in the first quarter and 29-15going into the second half. The Bears were outscored by the Pirates16-8 in the third quarter and 21-13 in the final frame.

Bradleigh Rice powered West Lincoln with 15 points and 7rebounds. Aaron Shaw and Aaron Collins scored 11 points apiece.Jamey Byrd pulled down 7 rebounds.

Mt. Olive were led by Alred McLaurin and Nick Duckworth with 14points apiece. Jason McNair netted 12 points followed by SteveMcNair with 10.

Durant 53, West Lincoln 39

In Friday’s quarterfinals game with Durant, West Lincoln fellbehind 11-5 in the first quarter and trailed 34-17 at halftime.

“We had opportunities in the first half to cut the lead down,but didn’t take advantage,” stated Young. “Our defense wasn’t badbut we struggled offensively the whole game. Durant has quicknesswe haven’t seen anywhere in our area this year.”

Jamey Byrd and Collins paced the Bears with 10 points apiece.Rice pulled down 7 rebounds followed by Jeremy Byrd with 5.

Ferdalle Williams directed Durant with 20 points, Desmond Jonesfinished with 14 points followed by Robin Marzette with 12.