The Brookhaven Academy Cougars kicked off the MAIS South State AA Tournament Monday night by clobbering the Ben’s Ford Christian Eagles 61-27 to keep their season alive and advance to the second round of the tournament.

The Cougars (18-13) will face the Simpson Academy Cougars Wednesday night in another Do-or-Die contest at 7:45 p.m.

In other tournament action, the Centreville Lady Tigers knocked off the Central Hinds Lady Cougars 46-44.

Tournament action continues today starting at 4 p.m. The Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars will be in action today as they take on Park Place Christian at 7:45 p.m. at John R. Gray Gymnasium.

Brookhaven Academy 61, Ben’s Ford 27 

The Cougars came out with a chip on their shoulder and quickly overpowered the Eagles in the opening quarter to gain a commanding 19-0 lead and continued to cruise in the second quarter with 13-4 run to take a 32-4 lead into halftime.

In the second half, BA outscored Ben’s Ford 29-23 to collect the win.

“I am extremely proud of the guys,” said BA coach Josh Watts. “This was the best that I have seen us play from start to finish this season. I was really pleased with everyone efforts and we are glad to survive for another night.”

Peyton Hoods powered the Cougars’ attack with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Caleb Brown contributed 13 points and had three assists. Drake Flowers chipped in with eight points, nine rebounds, three steals and three assists. Austin Smith scored seven points.

Bryan Johnson was the top scorer for the Eagles with 10 points. Destin Pittman provided six points and Daniel Pittman scored five points.

Centreville 46, Central Hinds 44 

Syndnie Lyons directed the Lady Tigers with 14 points. Marti Ann Longmire chipped in with 10 points.

Summer Hartley and Taylor Gagneaux paced the Lady Cougars of Central Hinds wih 12 points each.