Florala’s Colt Jackson and Erik Vega scored in double figures Thursday night over Georgiana, but the Panthers got on a role late in the first and second half to come away with a 59-45 win over the Wildcats.

Jackson got off to a hot start in the first period with an early 3-pointer to help his team lead 3-0. Georgiana answered back with a tres of its ow to tie the game up.

Vega, who contributed with 12 points, then hit another tres to get his team out to a 6-3 lead. A lay up by Jackson gave Florala an 8-3 advantage.

Trailing by five points, Georgiana mounted a big inside game attack and took advantage of Florala turnovers to cut a huge chunk out of the Wildcats’ lead.

The Panthers trailed 16-13 after the first period, and outscored the Wildcats 19-2 in the second to lead 32-18 at half time.

Florala gave up 11 turnovers in the first half alone.

“We’ve got to take better care of the basketball,” FHS boys coach Brad Garner said. “If you want to put your finger on something, it’s turnovers and we’ve got to come down to not making them. It’s the mental aspect of the game.”

The Wildcats will travel to play in the Class 1A, Area 2 tournament next Fri., Feb. 11 against Kinston in the first round. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m.

Garner said he will use the time leading up to the area tournament to “get ready” for the Bulldogs.

“We’ll see what happens after that,” he said.

Jackson scored 11 of his 15 points in the third period by himself, driving to the basket and getting clutch put backs.

Early in the fourth period, Garner was overheard saying, “Where did he come from?”

Jackson was helped on the inside by FHS senior Lavoris Ball, who made two impressive passes on a short 4-0 run with less than 30 seconds left in the third. Ball finished the night with seven points.

However, Georgiana got some essential put backs of its own in the third period. The Wildcats trailed 44-30 at the end of the third.

Georgiana’s good ball handling was evident Thursday night, as they forced turnovers and found open men on the inside.

Keon Binion led the Panthers with 20 points. Adrian Rich scored 17 points.