By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

The Troup Tigers hung tough with state-ranked Sandy Creek on Friday on the way to a 63-54 loss in a Region 5-AAAA game.

It was tied 23-23 at the half, and Sandy Creek took control in the third quarter and led by as many as 18 points.

The Tigers rallied and got within seven in the fourth quarter, but the deficit was too large.

Senior guard Jarrious Jefferson, who is having a big season, led Troup with 31 points.

Troup fell to 1-1 in the region.

In the girls’ game, the Lady Tigers were unable to overcome a difficult fourth quarter in a 40-30 loss.

Troup, which beat Chapel Hill in its region opener, was within two points heading to the fourth quarter of Friday’s game.

The Lady Tigers didn’t score any points in the fourth quarter, though, and the Lady Patriots were able to pull away.

Jedda Madden was a bright spot for Troup with 15 points, and Valerie Smith scored seven points.

Troup’s teams will be at LaGrange on Tuesday.