By JOSH DUTTON

Andalusia Star-News

The Elba Tigers held off the Brantley Bulldogs for a 42-38 victory in the opening round of the Andalusia Invitational tournament Thursday night.

The Tigers jumped out front 11-6 in the first period. Grant Akridge had 4 points for the Tigers in the first. Derian Jones had all 6 of the Bulldogs first period points.

In the second, the Bulldogs closed the gap to one point, but still trailed 20-19 at halftime. Adrian Person, Jr. sank two 3-pointers for the Bulldogs to help cut into the Tigers’ lead.

The Bulldogs went cold in third period, scoring just 5 points. Jones had all 5 points for the Bulldogs. Akridge had 5 points for the Tigers helping to stretch their lead to 29-24.

The Tigers lit up the scoreboard in the fourth to defeat the Bulldogs 42-38. Brosnan Cooks had 7 points for the Tigers, including going 3-for-5 from the free throw line. Jones kept the Bulldogs in the game with 8 points in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Tigers.

Jones led the Bulldogs with 23 points. Person added 6 points.

The Tigers’ leading scorer was Akridge with 14 points, and Denzell Thomas had 12 points.