PORT GIBSON – Lawrence County and Port Gibson split a Division7-4A basketball doubleheader Tuesday night. In girls’ action,Lawrence County overcame and early deficit to earn a 54-49 win. Inboys’ play, Port Gibson carved out a 20-point win, 76-56.

In the girls’ game, Coach Vicki Rutland’s Lady Cougars trailed20-15 at halftime, then saw their deficit grow as large as 12points early in the third quarter. LCHS came back with a vengeanceas juniors Tiaria Griffin and Mary Margaret McLaurin spurred therally.

Griffin had 18 points and 10 rebounds, with 16 of her 18 pointscoming in the second half. McLaurin scored 15, with 9 of themcoming in the decisive fourth quarter.

Alli Harris had 7 points and 7 rebounds before fouling out.

“As proud as I am of the comeback,” Rutland said, “we still didn’tplay a complete game. We didn’t really join the battle until thesecond half. We’ve got to stop doing that or we’re going toeventually pay the price. We’re happy to be 5-0, though.”

Rutland’s Lady Cougars did improve to 5-0 in Division 7-4A play,and 16-5 overall. Port Gibson’s girls, coached by Harold Liggans,fell to 15-5 overall, and 3-2 in the division. Kentija Tarletoncarried Port Gibson, scoring 21 points.

Port Gibson 76, Lawrence 56

In boys’ action, after a close, competitive first half, Port Gibsonpulled away from Lawrence County in the third quarter. The BlueWave Fighting Sharks shot the lights out in that period, turning a35-30 halftime lead into a comfortable 63-46 spread.

Five Port Gibson players landed in double figures, led by JohnnyWashington, who had 22 points. Devin Flowers added 12, and AdariousBarnes had 11. Devontae Tarelton and Bracy Chess each netted10.

With the win, Coach Kim Windom’s Sharks improved to 15-3 overall,and 3-2 in league play. Coach Pat Bridges’ Cougars fell to 12-9overall, and 2-3 in Division 7-4A play.

Jonterrio “J.J.” Evans paced Lawrence County with 15 points. DavidHaynes added 14.

Both schools will resume division play on Friday. Lawrence Countytravels to Columbia, and Port Gibson plays at South Pike.