Tigers drop a close one

Published 12:35 am Saturday, January 30, 2021

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By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

The Troup Tigers seemed to have things going their way when they surged to a nine-point lead late in the third quarter, but the night belonged to Taylor County.

Taylor County got within four at the close of the third quarter, and it outscored Troup 13-5 in the fourth quarter to secure a 52-48 victory.

Troup was supposed to play region foe Shaw on Friday, but the game was postponed, and Taylor County was able to step in as a last-minute replacement.

Nick Woodard had a big game for Taylor County with 30 points, and he knocked down five 3-pointers.

K.J. Tucker led the Tigers with 16 points, and Tre Scott, Jaylen Young and Zy Varner had six points apiece.

Taylor County had a 16-12 lead after the first quarter, but Troup rallied in the second quarter to take a 27-23 lead at the half.

The Tigers were still ahead by four when Tucker came through with back-to-back baskets to push the lead to eight, and Deo’vion Tucker made a free throw to extend the lead to 40-31 with 2:02 left in the third quarter.

Taylor County closed the quarter on an 8-3 run, and Troup’s lead was 43-39 heading to the final quarter.

Taylor County continued its surge in the fourth quarter, scoring the first six points to take a 45-43 lead.

Troup kept it close and had possession at the end with a chance to tie it, but Tucker’s 3-pointer didn’t find the mark, and Woodard clinched it with a free throw with one second left.