From staff reports

The Troup basketball teams had a bittersweet Tuesday evening.

While the boys picked up their second Region 2-AAA win over Columbus 61-38, the Lady Tigers fell to the Blue Devils 31-23.

The Tigers (6-12 overall) improved to 2-6 in region play and snapped a five-game losing streak.

Troup was ahead by four at halftime, but slowly chipped away at the Blue Devils to lead by 10 at the end of the third and for the eventual 13-point win.

“We started slow at first, but it seemed like Columbus fell apart,” said Tigers assistant coach George Gilbert. “We had excellent defense in the third quarter. There was no standout, but our defense is what won it.”

Javarik Winston led the Tigers with 13 points, followed by John Boswell, Eric Bridges and Quay McQueen with eight points each.

The Lady Tigers had the lead for much of the game, but they were unable to hold off a Columbus team that’s beaten defending state champion Kendrick twice this season.

It was a defensive battle, but the Lady Tigers (11-7, 4-4) never gained their offensive footing while the Lady Blue Devils (13-7, 5-3) played keep-away with the basketball.

Tanisha Jackson and Dina Saunders each led Troup with seven points.