Lady Tiger comeback bid falls short in home opener

Demopolis (6-3) used a suffocating defensive effort in the fourth quarter to close a 13-point deficit to two before succumbing to Greensboro in a 55-50 loss Tuesday night.

“We played hard but we didn’t play smart the first three quarters of the game and they were able to develop a lead,” Demopolis coach Tony Pittman said of his team’s performance in its home opener. “We came out in the fourth quarter and established the defense. We were able to get some easy buckets and get into a little rhythm. We got back into the ball game, but any time you go 14 for 31 from the free throw line, you’re not going to win.”

Sylvia Clayton helped spur the comeback for the Lady Tigers, who trailed 42-29 through the game’s first three quarters. The senior point guard’s activity on defense generated four of the team’s 17 steals and helped set up shots for her teammates. She combined with junior Shakesaney Bell and freshman Aniya Johnson to tally 14 steals and anchor a flurry that cut the deficit to 52-50 with 36 seconds remaining in the contest before Greensboro made a trio of key free throws to ice the win.

“As Sylvia goes, this team is going to go. She is called on to do a lot of things. She is stepping up and helping us,” Pittman said. “When this team really starts to play, it’s because of the energy she has coming off the floor, so we really appreciate what she has done.”

Clayton ended the night with 15 points to go along with four assists, four steals and three rebounds. Bell added 15 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Johnson contributed 13 points and six steals in the effort.

Moesha Chandler led Greensboro with 17 points and eight rebounds. Kiamber Turner had 13 points and six assists. Trinity Hambright notched nine points, seven rebounds and four steals. Reginiqua Fields finished with nine points.

Greensboro (9-2) travels to Hale County Friday night. Demopolis is set to host Choctaw County Friday.