The Lady Tigers only led by four after the first quarter, but pulled away in the second period en route to a 64-47 home win over Francie Marion Tuesday night.

“We’re playing better basketball,” Demopolis head coach Tony Pittman said of his team’s effort. “There are some things we’ve got to work on still. But we’re playing better basketball.”

The Lady Tigers used a fullcourt press in the game’s early going to slow Francis Marion.

By the second quarter Francis Marion appeared winded and frustrated as the Lady Tigers ran out to a 20-11 advantage in the period, utilizing sharpshooting from outside to take a 39-26 lead into the locker room.

“I felt, for the most part, we had great energy,” Pittman said of his team’s tempo throughout the night.

The Lady Tigers maintained their frenetic pace in the second half, finding less success offensively while still blistering Francis Marion on the defensive end.

“That’s the thing we’ve really been harping on since the summer,” Pittman said of the team’s emphasis on defense. “We’ve had good energy on that end the last couple of ball games.”

The Lady Tigers out paced the visiting Lady Rams 15-12 in the third period before playing to a 10-10 tie in the final quadrant of the game.

Demopolis’ balanced offensive effort saw Tee Perkins and Jonniece Collins each put up 13 points.

“It’s confidence for her,” Pittman said of Perkins.

“Something very positive has to happen for her early on. If it does, it could be a big night for us.”

Shadijiah Moore added 10 for Demopolis while Breanna Jones finished with eight. Demekia Marshall and Megin Smith each contributed six points in the win.

Moore and Jones also paced Demopolis with 10 rebounds each.

“Very proud of the bigs, both of them influenced the game with 10 rebounds,” Pittman said of the tandem of six-footers that patrols the paint for Demopolis.

The Lady Tigers also got significant contributions from its bench, headed by the energetic play of Alexis Jones and Martina Smith.

“When they’re mentally ready, they bring a lot to the table,” Pittman said. “We’re able to stretch the defense with both of them when they’re on.”

Demopolis hosts Selma Friday night in a key area contest.