COLUMBIA – Junior guard Duane Marshall poured in a game-high 27 points to lead three plays in double figures as the West Lincoln Bears clobbered the East Marion Eagles 72-53 to remain undefeated in Region 7-2A action Friday night.

In girls’ action, the Lady Bears suffered their first loss in region action falling to the Lady Eagles 37-28.

West Lincoln resumes action Tuesday as they welcome the Amite County Trojans to Jack Case Gymnasium for a huge region test. The varsity girls will tip off the action at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.

East Marion 37, West Lincoln 28 

The Lady Bears (4-14, 2-1) came out ready to play in the first quarter as they secured a 13-6 lead.

In the second quarter, the Lady Eagles fought back and outscored West Lincoln 6-2 as the Lady Bears took a 15-12 lead into halftime.

In the second half, East Marion’s offense was on fire as they hammered the Lady Bears 25-13 to secure the win.

Senior forward Destiny Allen was the offensive leader for the Lady Bears with nine points and eight rebounds. Hanna Moak paced West Lincoln on the boards with 12 rebounds and scored eight points.

“The game was decided by shooting,” said West Lincoln coach Lane Young. “We could not score in the second and third quarters. You cannot win shooting 0-19 from the three-point arc and 12-37 inside the arc.

Audriana Howard was the top scorer for East Marion’s offense with 12 points.

West Lincoln 72, East Marion 53 

The Bears and Eagles provided a tough defensive battle in the first half as West Lincoln managed to gain control to take a 30-24 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Bears came out on fire and torched the Eagles by outscoring East Marion 42-30 to capture the victory.

Senior center Sam Bivens was the second leading scorer for West Lincoln with 16 points, 18 rebounds and five blocked shots. Ronnie Edwards contributed 12 points, five rebounds and six assists. Keshaun London helped on the boards with 10 rebounds and netted nine points.

“We were sloppy in the first half,” said Young. “The guys managed to turn it around in third quarter that helped get us out in front, which was the difference in the game. We need to be more consistent on both ends of the floor.”

The Eagles were led on offense by Shavonte Coleman and Cordell Echols with 15 points apiece.

In junior varsity boys’ action, West Lincoln defeated East Marion 67-57.

Jason Watts pumped in a game-high 33 points to lead the Bears. Zekenith Porter chipped in with 21 points.

D.J. Knight was the top offensive shooter for East Marion with 18 points. Devonte Rogers contributed 10 points.