By Josh Dutton

Andalusia Star-News

The Luverne Tigers blew a 15-point lead, but still managed to defeat the Enterprise Wildcats 59-56 in the second round of the Andalusia Invitational tournament Friday night.

It was neck and neck for the majority of the game, as the two heavyweights slugged it out. At the end of the first, the game was tied up 13-13. Ryan Little had 5 points for the Wildcats, including at long range 3-pointer. Kenterius Womack added 5 points for the Tigers.

In the second, the Wildcats took a 32-29 lead. Marcus Jones had a pair of 3-pointers, for the Wildcats. Tigers’ Donta’ Hall went 3-for-6 from the free throw line, and had 9 points.

Something sparked the Tigers during halftime, and they raced out to a 47-37 lead in the third period. Womack dropped in a pair of 3-pointers for the Bulldogs, and Hall swatted nearly every shot attempted no matter where on the court he was.

The Wildcats rallied in the fourth thanks to Maurice Murphy. Murphy scored 9 points in the fourth; including shooting 5-for-7 from the free throw line. The rally ended coming up just short of the Tigers. Tigers’ Austin Bryant had 4 points, and went 2-for-2 from the line. The Tigers intercepted a long desperation pass to secure the 59-56 victory, and a chance to play in championship game.

The Wildcats were led in scoring by Murphy and Little with 14 points each.

The Tigers’ leading scorer was Hall with 15 points, and Womack finished with 14 points.

Luverne will face the Elba Tigers in the championship game tonight at 8:30 p.m.

Enterprise and Andalusia will tip-off at 7 p.m. for the third place game.