Demopolis had multiple opportunities to convert in the waning moments, but ultimately fell to Meridian (Miss.) 48-46 Tuesday night.

“We just were not able to convert thos layups,” head coach Tony Pittman said of his team’s inability to hit key shots down the stretch. “The shots we took were silly shots. We just weren’t able to convert those in the crucial times.”

Senior Jocelyn Lawson drove to the hoop and hit a key layup with 7.5 seconds remaining in the game to cut the score to 47-46 following a pair of missed free throws from Meridian.

Demopolis fouled immediately on the ensuing possession, sending Meridian to the free throw line with only 5.4 seconds remaining on the game clock.

The Lady Wildcats missed the first attempt and converted the second to push the lead to 48-46.

With an opportunity to tie or win, DHS turned the game over with one second to go when it was branded with a travelling call.

“You’re not going to be able to beat good teams like Meridian not making shots like that,” Pittman said of multiple open looks his team had at the basket down the stretch. “I felt like we did a good job getting to the basket, but it’s disheartening to get there and not be able to convert those layups.”

The loss sends the girls to 7-5 on the year. While frustrated with the end result of Tuesday’s game, Pittman still understands that his roster consists largely of very young players putting in very big minutes.

“We’ve got some young kids, some freshmen and that’s basically our depth,” Pittman said.

His team plays at Livingston tonight before returning to area play next week against Chilton County.

“Basically we’re going to use this time to work on fundamentals of the game,” Pittman said. “I really believe that’s what’s beating us right now. I really feel like if we put one or two wins together, this team would take off. It’s all about confidence.”

Senior Aleshia Arnold led Demopolis Tuesday with 14 points. Senior Valissa Sams added 13 points while senior Lawson finsihed with 10.