By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

The Troup Tigers improved to 3-1 on the young season with a 56-51 road win over McIntosh on Friday.

The Tigers were ahead 11-8 after the first quarter, and they were up 27-19 at the half.

In the third quarter, both teams got hot from the field, with the Tigers outscoring the Chiefs 24-11 to take a 51-40 lead into the final period.

The Tigers were unable to get much going offensively in the fourth quarter, but they held on for the five-point victory to win their third game in a row.

JaQuavo McFarland led the Tigers with 17 points, and Kobe Hudson and Isaiah Cox added 12 points apiece.

With the team at full strength following the conclusion of basketball season, head coach Blake Craft is getting a lot of players on the court.

Craft used 11 players during Friday’s win.

“It’s nice when you can come in with your subs and there’s no drop-off,” Craft said.

In the girls’ game, McIntosh needed three overtimes to beat Troup 63-58.

In the third and final overtime, McIntosh outscored Troup 10-5 to end the suspense.

Amber Gilbert had a big night for Troup with 25 points, and she was 10-of-13 from the free-throw line.

Aniya Palmer scored 14 points, and Jada Green added 11 points.

The Lady Tigers led 11-5 after the first quarter, and they were ahead 28-15 at the half.

McIntosh came charging back in the third quarter, outscoring Troup 18-8 to make it a three-point game.

McIntosh outscored Troup 13-10 in the fourth quarter to tie it at 46-46 and force overtime.

Troup will be on the road against Valley on Saturday, with the girls’ game tipping at 6 p.m. and the boys’ game to follow.