A Demopolis High School men’s basketball team that overachieved for much of the season again brought plenty of fight to the court Friday night against UMS-Wright.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to take them to Mobile for regionals as the Bulldogs held on in overtime for a 48-44 road win.

Neither team ever really took control of the game as the teams traded small leads throughout the second half. The game peaked with 30 seconds remaining when Dwiuan White nailed a three pointer to tie the game 30-30 for the Tigers. Each team two more points , UMS in the lane and Demopolis by free throws, to tie the game at 32-32.

In overtime, it appeared as if the Tigers had grabbed all the momentum from the start. The Tigers completed scored their first six points of the extra period on three-point plays. White was the first to make a tough shot under the basket hurt as he drew points and a foul. He converted the free throw to give the Tigers a quick 35-32 lead.

Corey Cantey was the next to help the Tigers cause as he also converted a three point play to give the Tigers a little breathing room at 38-34.

But the Bulldogs would not go away. UMS continued to work the ball inside, as they had all night, to ship away at the Tiger lead and take over the game.

Much of the story in the overtime period was told at the free throw line. Demopolis had numerous opportunities, but only converted 6 of 14 when the clock expired. The Bulldogs did not fair much better, but were able to work the clock and get turnovers and fouls when they needed them.

The game was a battle from the start. However, in the first three quarters, Demopolis was able to end with the lead. The Tigers led 11-8 at the end of the first and 19-18 at the half before allowing the Bulldogs to take the lead with 3:39 to go in the third. But again, the Tigers fought back and headed into the final period up 25-24.

In the fourth period, however, it was the Bulldogs who did just enough to keep the momentum. UMS consistently took advantage of second chances on the offensive end, which secured overtime, and eventually, the win.

Demopolis was led by Dontrell Miller, with 13 points and Willie Blount with 11 points.