By TRIPP NORRIS

The class 4A, No. 8-ranked Bulldogs looked to defend their Christmas Tournament championship as they took on Red Level in the opening round game.

A big three by Caleb Williams got the Bulldogs started with a 3-0 lead right off the bat. R.J. Drish, B.J. Anderson, and Keaun Samuel all had two baskets each in the first quarter to help give Andalusia a 10-point lead after one.

Red Level managed to stay within 10 on Jacob Catrett’s three-pointer, as the Tigers trailed 18-8. Williams drained two more three pointers in the second and Samuel added six more points as the Bulldogs began to pull away.

Red Level failed to score a single basket in the second quarter, with all four points coming from the foul line. Catrett hit two free throws as did Matthew Coleman. Andalusia scored 27 in the second for a 45-12 lead at the break.

The Bulldogs put up 21 more points in the third quarter. Drish and Anderson both had two baskets with Ethan Wilson hitting a three towards the end of the quarter as a part of his five points in the period.

After three quarters Andalusia led 66-17.

The fourth quarter was played under a continuous running clock with Andalusia scoring 10 more points while the Tigers were unable to score. Williams scored six of Andalusia’s 10 points in the quarter for a 76-17 final.

Five Bulldog players scored in double figures with Caleb Williams leading the way with 15 points. R.J. Drish had 12 points and Keaun Samuel had 11. Undre Johnson and B.J. Anderson had 10 points each.

Red Level was led by Matthew Coleman, who had eight points.

The Bulldogs will continue tournament play Friday night at 7:30 vs. the Opp Bobcats.