JACKSON – The Brookhaven Academy Cougars suffered two disappointing setbacks in MAIS basketball action Tuesday night at the Hillcrest Christian Thanksgiving Holiday Classic.

In the girls’ game, the home-standing Hillcrest Christian Lady Cougars knocked off the BA Lady Cougars 51-36.

In boys’ action, Hillcrest’s second half explosion handed BA their first loss of the season at 55-47.

In a late game result, the BA Cougars secured a 55-49 victory over Richland in Monday night action.

Brookhaven Academy will take Thanksgiving off and be back in action on Tuesday, Dec. 3, when they travel to Walthall County to take on the Salem Wildcats. Varsity girls’ action tips off at 6 p.m., followed by the boys’ game.

Hillcrest 51, Brookhaven 36 

After knotting the score at 33 early in the fourth quarter, the Hillcrest Christian Lady Cougars went on an 18-3 run to knock off Brookhaven Academy 51-36 in the final game of the Hillcrest Thanksgiving Classic.

A Coach Mack commented after the game, “Our girls played solid for 3 1/2 quarters; then Hillcrest made some plays down the stretch and pulled away. Gardner concluded, “Give them credit, they made 14 of 17 free throws in the fourth quarter.”

Marlee Watts led BA with 17 points including five three pointers. Hillary Wilson added six points and grabbed five rebounds on the night. Guard Madison Warren dished out five assists for the Lady Cougars. Jordan Barksdale led Hillcrest with 19 points.

Hillcrest 55, Brookhaven 47 

In a battle of Cougars, Brookhaven Academy and Hillcrest Christian provided an offensive show for their basketball fans.

The Lincoln County-based Cougars ruled the first half to claim a 21-16 lead at halftime. In the second half, Hillcrest overpowered BA with 39-26 run to secure the win and hand BA their first loss of the season.

Zac Smith was the offensive leader for BA (5-1) with 17 points and seven rebounds. Joshua Wiggins contributed 10 points. Ethan Harris paced the Lincoln County-based Cougars on the boards with eight rebounds.

Dillion Patrick directed the Hillcrest Christian Cougars with a game-high double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Bryce Baker chipped in 11 points.

Brookhaven 55, Richland 49 

The Cougars got off to fast start and overpowered the Rangers to claim 32-19 lead at halftime and held off Richland’s second half rally to secure the win.

Junior forward Peyton Hood pumped in a team-high 17 points and eight rebounds to lead BA. Zac Smith, and Ethan Harris provided 10 points and four rebounds apiece.

Jeffrey Spence poured in a game-high 23 points and six rebounds to paced the Rangers. Keyadre Lewis chipped in 14 points and three rebounds.