Brookhaven’s Panthers relied on a strong defensive effort andsome clutch, fourth-quarter free throw shooting by Leo Garrett tobeat the Clinton Arrows 48-40 Tuesday night in Sinclair Gymnasium.Garrett was a perfect 5-for-5 from the charity line and scored 7 ofhis 11 points in the final frame.

In the varsity girls game, Clinton capitalized on Brookhaven’sice-cold, second-half shooting to sack the Lady Panthers46-28.

Ole Brook hosts McComb for a Region 6-5A showdown Fridaynight.

The Panthers (17-4) held off the Arrows (15-7) as Garrett made 4free throws in the final 75 seconds of the game. Garrett and histeammates carried a 38-30 lead into the fourth quarter.

“Leo hit some big free throws in the fourth quarter,” said BHScoach Preston Wilson. “We try to keep the ball in his hands.

“Our defensive effort in the first half was great,” Wilsoncontinued. “That set the tone.”

Wilson’s team owned a 24-20 halftime lead despite 13 turnovers.They made 8 miscues the second half against Clinton’s pressingdefense.

Guard Keith Johnson paced the Panthers with 12 points, plus 5rebounds. Center Fred Fairman had 8 rebounds and Garrett 7.

“We missed a lot of layups,” said Clinton coach Bruce Robinson. “Itshould have been a closer game.”

Dominic Davis led the Class 6A Arrows with 10 points and 5rebounds. Tramaine Young had 8 rebounds. Clinton committed 13turnovers.

The Lady Panthers (5-15) committed 25 turnovers and were limited to11 second-half points. Clinton (12-10) outscored them 12-1 in afourth-quarter surge.

“We lost a lot of good players from last year,” said Clinton girlscoach Felicia Lofton. “We start two ninth graders.”

Brianna Price, a 5-foot-7 senior guard, led Clinton’s attack with18 points. Cortni Cooper, 5-2 senior, added 15 points.

Six points each by Precious Patterson and Shareeka Hill led BHS inscoring. Fredericka Fairman grabbed 7 rebounds and Audora Hill5.

In the JV boys game, Clinton posted a 42-35 victory, led by EdwardWalker’s 10 points.

The Panthers got 14 points from Travis Ruffin. Jemer Wilson had 6points and Ladarius Burage 5.