McCOMB – The McComb Lady Tigers managed to outscore Brookhaven16-8 in the fourth quarter and take a 45-38 Region 6-5A victoryover the Lady Panthers in basketball action Tuesday night.

In the boys’ game, the McComb Tigers’ defense overwhelmedBrookhaven in the last three quarters as the Tigers outscored thePanthers 70-28 and cruised to a 78-45 win.

The Panthers and Lady Panthers resume action Friday traveling toWest Jones for another important regional matchup against theMustangs. Tipoff is 6 p.m. with the girls’ game, followed by theboys.

McComb 49, Brookhaven 47

Sophomore guard Christen Benson provided a game-high double-doubleon the night as she scored 19 points and grabbed 15 rebounds tolead the Lady Panther (5-13,0-2). Tiakara Kelly chipped in with 16points.

“We did not control the ball very well in the fourth quarter,” saidBrookhaven coach Freda Craft. “We allowed their pressure to get tous and we made too many turnovers. We also have got to do a betterjob shooting our free throws.”

Keaira Patterson was the leading scorer for the Lady Tigers (5-16,1-1) with 16 points. They trailed 30-29 at the end of the thirdquarter.

“Glad to get the win,” said McComb coach Angela Johnson. “We stillhave a lot of work to do to get better. I was very proud of thegirls effort.”

McComb 78, Brookhaven 45

Senior center Fred Fairman knocked down 13 points and grabbed 7rebounds to lead the Panthers (15-4, 1-1). Alvin Franklin provided11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 4 assists. Daniel Washingtonadded 10 points.

“We played great in the first half,” said Brookhaven coach PrestonWilson. “In the second half, we lost our mental focus and we couldnot snap out of it. Now we must regroup and get ready for WestJones.”

Senior forward Ladarrius White pumped in a game-high 17 points forthe Tigers (14-4, 2-0). Rayfield Allen and Zarius Luckingcontributed 12 points apiece.

“The guys played very good in the second half,” said McComb coachHilton Harrell. “Our defense was the deciding factor for the game.We managed to create turnovers off of our pressure and tookBrookhaven out of their game plan.”

McComb led 30-28 at halftime and outscored BHS 48-17 in the secondhalf.