DIXON’S MILLS — Marengo (16-2) found itself in a dogfight until foul trouble ended A.L. Johnson’s upset bid Saturday night as the Lady Panthers pulled out a 56-43 win.

With 7:37 remaining in the game, LaRobyn Harris connected on a putback to pull ALJ (8-8) to a 35-33 deficit after the Lady Eagles had trailed by as many as eight points in the second half.

A minute later, the Lady Eagles even the score at 35 to ignite a back-and-forth sequence that forced Marengo to jump into its press defense.

With 3:54 left on the game clock and Marengo leading 43-39, A.L. Johnson point guard and leader Ashley Edwards picked up her fifth foul. With center Terra King already fouled out of the game, ALJ was left without the depth and experience to contend with Marengo’s effective press.

By the 1:14 mark, Marengo had extended its lead to 54-39 and put the game well out of reach.

Tallamachiia Dumas led Marengo with 26 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Shakayla Bouler had 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for MHS. Alesia Bowser had 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Tiffany Barber scored 14 points and came up with three steals to lead A.L. Johnson. Terra King had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Ashley Edwards finished her night with 11 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

Marengo will host the loser of the Class 1A, Area 1 final between McIntosh and Fruitdale in the sub-regional round Friday night. A.L. Johnson will travel to face the winner of the McIntosh/Fruitdale game.