Straughn almost gave the game away Tuesday night, but held strong as the Tigers topped Excel 52-47 in area action.

SHS led 18-12 after the first period, but the Panthers made a come back in the second to cut the game to 25-23 at halftime.

The 10th-ranked Tigers (13-4) outscored the Panthers 13-7 in the third period, and hung on late, despite EHS out-gaining them 17-14 in the fourth.

“We tried to give them the game,” SHS boys coach Rusty Andrews said. “We turned the ball over a few times in the fourth quarter. Other than that, I was pleased with the effort.

“It was what we anticipated as far as a win at Excel,” he said.

Straughn’s Brice Scott led the Tigers with 21 points. Rollin Kinsaul chipped in 14 points.

Excel’s Quamie Penn had 19 points, and Rayford Dale scored 13.

In B-team action, the Tigers also won 51-32.

Ethan Wilson and Jonathan Driver led SHS with 10 points each.

Straughn’s Jacie Williamson scored 20 points to help lead the third-ranked Lady Tigers (18-1) to a 62-22 win over Excel.

SHS plays host to Opp on Friday night, and the varsity boys need to win in order to host the Class 3A, Area 2 tournament.