MOBILE – Courtney Sewell scored only one point the entire game, but it was the point the Francis Marion Rams needed to edge the B. B. Comer Tigers 47-46.

With the game tied and 5.7 seconds left in regulation, Sewell sank one of two free throws to send his team to the southwest regional finals against rival Sumter County on Saturday at 2 p.m.

“We played tight and never really loosen up the whole game”, Ram coach Woodie Jackson said. “We’ve also played around injuries the entire season.”

The Rams could only muster up four points in the first quarter due to cold shooting and aggressive defensive play by the Tigers. Being down seven to start the second quarter, the Rams turned things around as they stepped up their defensive tempo to create some easy transition baskets that put them up seven at the half 23-16.

Both teams shot under 30 percent from the field in the half. Though Comer out-scored Francis Marion in the third (14 -13) and fourth quarters (16 -11), the Tigers could only knock down 5-of-11 free throw attempts in the second half.

“Free throws and turnovers were our nemesis in the second half”, said a disgruntled Tiger coach Joe Wilson. “Our man to man defense was working, we were able to make them change some shots”.

In the fourth Comer’s Wallace Reynolds tied the game at 42 after making two-free throws at the 2:19 mark.

Marion then went up one with a free throw of their own. After an exchange of baskets, the Tigers’ Jeremy Green fouled while driving to the hoop, sank one-of-two to knot the game at 46 with 14 seconds on the ticker. Sewell was then sent to the stripe when he was fouled on his shooting attempt. In the closing seconds the Tigers still had a chance to win but a steal by Brently Wright, his fourth of the afternoon, spoiled it.

For the Rams, Jeremy Arrington topped all scorers with 12 points to go with 4 steals. Wright finished in double figures with 10. Julius Allgood hauled in 10 rebounds and chipped in 8 points. Cord Robbins led the Tigers with 10points.