Demopolis holds off Choctaws

Demopolis (13-11) used a late run to finish off a formidable Bibb County team Thursday night on its way to a 49-41 victory.

The Tigers led most of the way but saw a seven-point advantage dwindle to 37-34 with only 3:24 remaining in the contest. Following a timeout call, Demopolis reset its game plan and proceeded to embark on a 9-2 run that Cortez Lewis emphatically punctuated with a steal that led to a transition two-handed jam with 1:29 to go. The slam brought new life into the home crowd and pushed the Tiger lead to 10 points, effectively nullifying the Bibb threat.

“Great defensive game. I thought we played excellent defensively,” Demopolis coach Rodney Jackson said.

The team honored senior Tommy Wilson before the game as part of its annual Senior Night festivities. Jackson said he believed the moment was meaningful for his team.

“I really think they wanted to win it for Tommy,” Jackson said. “You only get one Senior Night and you better win it.”

While the win was the fourth consecutive victory for the Tigers, it also marked the latest in a string of tight contests that have broken Demopolis’ way.

“Tonight helped us with it being close,” Jackson said. “The trend is we’re starting to win the close one, which is a good thing.”

On a night when the Tigers outscored the Choctaws in every quarter, Demopolis posted only two players in double figures. Wilson set the pace with 12 points to go along with five assists. Lewis added in 11 points, six steals and five rebounds.

The Tigers are scheduled to finish the regular season Friday with a rivalry tilt at Linden (20-1).

“This is a big game,” Jackson said. “First of all, it is a rivalry game. Linden has been playing well all year. We’re hitting that peak I want us to hit right before area tournament. It’s going to be a good game.”