Andalusia’s boys varsity basketball team finished its regular season with an 83-56 rout over rival Opp Friday for its senior night.

The Bulldogs improve to 27-2 overall, and will play host to the Class 4A, Area 3 tournament, beginning next Fri., Feb. 11, at 7 p.m., where they will play rival Straughn in the first round.

Andalusia boys coach Richard Robertson said Opp’s players played with a lot of passion despite the score.

“They’ve got a lot of heart and a lot of class,” Robertson said.

Opp boys coach Ronnie Sansom echoed what Robertson said.

“I’m proud of my guys, and coach Robertson gave us a compliment after the game, and said, ‘that your guys never quit,’ and they never have,” Sansom said. “That’s going to carry them long after basketball season is over. It’s going to carry them a long way in life.”

Opp’s next game will be Mon., Feb. 7, against Brantley at home.

Sansom said after Monday’s game, the focus will be shifted to area play, where the Bobcats will play Pike County at 5:30 p.m. next Friday in Luverne.

“There are some things we can take away from this in spite of the score that will help us get ready for Pike County next week,” he said. “Everything is geared for Brantley next Monday, but from Monday to Thursday, we’re preparing for Pike County.”

Andalusia only allowed six points in the first period, outscoring the Bobcats 24-6. Then, the Bulldogs outscored Opp 20-13 in the second period to take a 42-19 lead at half time.

AHS seniors Quayshaun Denson, Derrick King and Justin Dooley finished in double figures for the Bulldogs. Denson and King had 14 points each, and Dooley contributed with 11 points. Jacard Townsend led the Bulldogs with 15 points.

Opp’s Tyler Harrison led the Bobcats with 22 points. Cam White had 10 points, and Steadman Gerber had eight points.

During the contest, Robertson made sure each senior got a chance to play on senior night.

One senior in particular, Millard McWhorter, received cheers from the student section as he set foot on the floor for a few minutes of play.

“What we’ve done now, we’re proud of,” Robertson said. “Technically, everybody’s 0-0. You’ve got to win to keep playing.”

In B-team action, Andalusia won 30-23.

Tim Sims had 18 points for the Bulldogs.