A second-half rally by Georgiana School fell just short as McKenzie School squeaked out a 42-40 win Tuesday night in Georgiana.

The Lady Tigers led for the majority of the game before the Lady Panthers managed to draw even and eventually capture the lead late in the third period thanks to a halftime adjustment.

“The second half was a completely different game,” Georgiana head coach Rickie Sallie said. “At halftime we made a concerted effort to set many off the ball screens to get Tyanna Perkins and Kenya Loveless involved into the game.”

It worked.

Perkins scored 10 of her 15 points in the second half, while Loveless scored six of her 10 points in the third period.

McKenzie regained the lead for good with 5:49 to play in the contest when Dazia Womack hit a short jumper in the lane.

The Lady Panthers had several opportunities to tie the game down the stretch, but managed to convert just 4-of-9 free throws in the final eight minutes of play. Georgiana was 12-for-21 from the free-throw line in the contest.

“Our weaknesses as a team is free-throw shooting and turnovers,” Sallie said.

Despite their struggles from the free-throw line, the Lady Panthers still had a chance to win the game, but a desperation heave by Loveless from near half-court as time expired was off the mark.

“I am extremely proud of the way we competed both offensively and defensively,” Sallie said.

Latoria Womack led the Lady Tigers with 18 points, including seven in the fourth period. Dazia Womack added 14 points and 13 rebounds in the win.

Georgiana will hit the road to face Brantley Friday night. B-Team action will begin at 4:30 p.m. with varsity action slated to follow.

McKenzie will travel to Highland Home on Tuesday. Action is slated to begin at 4:30 p.m.