The JA Raiders were facing elimination in the First Round of the MAIS 5A State Basketball Tournament in McComb at Parklane Academy on Tuesday night. The Raiders began the game a little slow as they trailed 5-2 early before going on a 10-1 run to take a 12-6 lead three minutes into the game. Parklane answered with a 6-0 run to tie the game before the Raiders ended the quarter on a 5-0 run to lead 17-12 after eight minutes. The second quarter was all about the Pioneers as they outscored JA 15-4 to take a 27-21 lead at halftime including a Jacob Gazzo tip in at the buzzer. The two teams battled a nearly even quarter as Gazzo tipped in another shot at the buzzer to extend the lead back to four heading into the final frame. JA dominated the fourth quarter as they went on a 12-0 run to take a seven point lead. JA made their last eleven free throws to help ice the game as they avoided elimination and advanced to the Semifinals on Friday with a 52-43 win over the host Pioneers. The Raiders moved to 21-12 and will return to McComb on Friday as they battle MRA at 6:00pm.

University Heart Players with The Most Heart
Nick Bryan - scored a team-high 15 points (3-9 FG, 9-12 FT) and grabbed 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
Wenton Walker - scored 14 points (5-8 FG,1-4 3PT, 3-4 FT) and had 7 rebounds and 3 steals.
Will Travelstead - scored 10 points (3-4 3PT, 1-2 FT) and secured 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Henry Lee - 6 points (3-6 FG, 1-2 FT) 2 rebounds and 3 assists.
Brendan GIbson - 6 points (2-5 FG, 2-2 FT) 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.

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