The Andalusia Bulldogs battled back at the end, but it was Georgiana who came out on top with a 43-35 victory in the boys’ championship game of the 18th annual Red Level Christmas Tournament in Red Level.

Both teams had trouble finding much in the opening period, and at the end of the first Georgiana held a 12-8 lead.

The Bulldogs got two points each from B.J. Anderson, Jaxon Rudolph, Alex Sheridan and Trevor Parker in the first period.

It was much of the same story in the second period, with both teams have troubling getting shots to fall, and at halftime Georgiana was on top 24-14.

Parker, Anderson and Sheridan each chipped in two points for the Bulldogs in the second period.

Andalusia opened up strong in the third period with a quick layup from Parker, but then two quick scores from Georgiana made it a double-digit lead again.

The Bulldogs weren’t ready to give up and go away just yet, as Parker made a nice move towards the lane and banked in a fade away jumper.

A short time later, Anderson dropped in a layup, and was fouled in the process. Anderson completed the 3-point play.

Thirty seconds later, Anderson was back at the line, where he knocked down a pair of free throws to cut score to 28-23 with 34.7 seconds left in the third.

Georgiana closed out the period with two free throws and held a 30-23 lead heading in the final period.

A quick start from the Panthers opened the lead back up to double-digits.

The Bulldogs continued to fight and Anderson finished the final period with eight points, but it wasn’t enough for Andalusia to overcome the Georgiana lead.

Anderson led the Bulldogs with 17 points.

“We dug ourselves in hole early, and that really hurt us.” Andalusia coach Marshall Locke said. “Once we settled in and starting executing our game plan, we started to make some things happen. I was proud of the way we fought, but we still have to cut done on the little mistakes and we will be fine.”

Jacquez Payton led the Panthers with 17 points.

“It was typical third day tournament game,” Panthers’ coach Kirk Norris said. “Both teams came out a little sluggish, but we found a way to win. It was ugly, but it was a win and we will take them no matter how they come.  I thought it was a great game between two very good teams.