Shane Lynch sank two game-tying free throws in regulation andfinished with 16 points, sparking the host West Lincoln Bears to a57-53 Tuesday night overtime win over Franklin County’s Bulldogs.West Lincoln also got 14 points from Stephen Jones as the Bearsremained undefeated in three games.

In the varsity girls game, Franklin County whipped West Lincoln50-30 in Jack Case Gymnasium, led by Victoria Hunt’s 19 points.Shareka Hunt chipped in 14 points.

The Bears (3-0) trailed Franklin County 36-30entering the fourth quarter. They outscored the Bulldogs 18-12 inthe final 8 minutes of regulation, gaining a 48-48 deadlock.

West Lincoln coach Lane Young said he was happy to see his Bearsprevail against a strong Franklin County team. “We battled allnight. Franklin County missed some crucial free throws and thathelped us. We made ours.

“Franklin County should be real tough the next time we play,”Young pointed out. “Their football players will have adjusted bythen.”

Marcus Tillman, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound senior all-state defensiveend, led the Bulldogs with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 1 blockedshot. Wesley Brown chipped in 10 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blockedshots and 3 assists.

“We were rusty tonight and it showed,” said Franklin County boyscoach Chris Jordan. “This was Marcus Tillman’s first game sinceMarch,” when the Bulldogs played in the Class 3A statetournament.

“We crashed the boards and got some easy putbacks,” addedJordan. “But we missed our free throws when we needed them.”

The Bulldogs (0-1) made just 4 of 17 free throw attempts,compared to West Lincoln’s 17 of 23.

Lynch also contributed 6 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 assists. Joneshad 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Aaron Shaw had 4 assists. Jeremy Byrdblocked 2 shots.

The Lady Bears (0-3) were overwhelmed by thetaller and quicker Lady Bulldogs. They trailed 22-18 at halftimeand were outscored 28-12 in the second half.

“In the second half, Franklin County did some things on defensethat took us out of our rhythm,” said Coach Young. “We managed toget some shots late.”

Directing West Lincoln was senior forward April Kennedy with 9points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Guard Erica Shaw had 7points and 4 rebounds. Talashia Fells had 6 points and 5boards.

“I’m glad to get our first win of the season,” said Franklin Co.coach Charles Moore. “We did a good job even though it was ourfirst game.

“I enjoy playing West Lincoln because they are well coached,”added Moore. Franklin County plays at Natchez Thursday night.

Shalenia Wilcher accounted for 7 rebounds and 5 points in thevictory. Robin Shaw had 9 points, 4 steals and 2 rebounds.

In the JV boys game, West Lincoln clippedFranklin County 46-45,led by Aaron Collins with 15 points and JameyByrd with 13. Sawyer Wallace added 11 points.

Franklin County was led by Danny Mullins and Bo Tillman with 12points apiece.