By Myra Bean
A long three-pointer at the buzzer cut the South Panola loss to Columbus 51-47.

The Tigers (9-7 overall, 0-2 district) played tough against the Falcons, according to head coach Charlie Howard.

“We just did not have the size to match up with them,” Howard said. “We will be in the same situation with Starkville Friday.”

Starkville has two players who are six feet nine inches. Their coach is six feet seven inches.

Starkville defeated Columbus 57-52 on December 7.

The Tigers and Falcons played neck-and-neck in the first quarter which ended in a tie at 17. Columbus got just a little bit of advantange in the second quarter and led 27-25 at the half.

The Falcons extended the lead to five at the end of the third quarter by outscoring the Tigers 15-12. The Tigers tried to make it up in the fourth, but fell just a little short.

Antonio Allen of South Panola led all scorers with 22 points. Also scoring for the Tigers were Rico Key, 13; C.J. Raynor, 5; Michael Broadnax, 3 points; Kennon Draper and Kerrion Moore, 2 points each.

The Tigers will be on the road to play old rival Grenada in non-district action after the girls game at 6 p.m. tonight. Starting Friday, the Tigers will stay at home for five games.

Friday, Starkville will be in town for a 6 p.m. district tipoff. Tuesday, the Tigers will host Tupelo in game two of their district matchup at 6 p.m.