By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

Harris County’s Marcus Dumas hit a miracle shot at the buzzer to lift his team to a wild 45-43 victory over the home-standing Troup Tigers on Friday night

Harris County was trailing by a point with less than two seconds to play when Dumas received the inbounds pass, and he took one step and let it fly from well beyond half-court, and the ball sailed through the net to give the visiting team an unlikely victory.

It was a tough loss for the Tigers (3-4), who have lost both of their home games in heart-breaking fashion.

Troup lost to Upson-Lee in overtime earlier in the season, and it was beaten on the unlikeliest of shots on Friday night.

“I told the kids, if we’re in every game and they have to hit a three-quarter shot, I will take that every time,” said Troup coach Blake Craft.

With nine seconds to play, Troup’s Ricco Person was fouled while shooting a 3-pointer, and he made two free throws to give his team a 43-42 lead.

After an Upson-Lee player missed two free throws with four seconds left, Isaiah Cox came down with the rebound.

Cox missed the free throw, and a Harris County came down with the rebound, leading to the dramatic game-winning shot.

“I told them, guys it’s a long season, and that’s part of it. It’s how the ball bounces,” Craft said. “You hate it. Those are the ones you wish you could steal, but honestly we didn’t play well enough offensively. Defensively, we played great. You hold somebody to 45 points, you can’t be too mad defensively.”

Person led the Tigers with 13 points, Gabe Cofield had eight points, Trey Williams and Cox had seven points apiece, and Camren O’Neal scored six points.

Dumas paced Harris County with 16 points, and he scored all 10 of his team’s points in the fourth quarter.

Troup started the game quickly, outscoring Harris County 16-7 in the fourth quarter to take the lead.

Harris County got its offense going in the second quarter, and Troup led 28-25 at the half.

It remained tight in the third quarter, and Troup took a 37-35 lead into the fourth and final quarter.

Late in the fourth the Tigers were trailing by two when Cofield connected on a 3-pointer to give his team a 41-40 lead with 29 seconds to play.

After Dumas scored to put Harris on top, Person’s two free throws gave Troup the lead once again, setting up the frantic final moments.

Troup will be on the road against Newnan on Tuesday.

“We’re hoping we can get over the hump, and get on that winning train a little bit,” Craft said.