Jackson Provine’s boys claimed the top seed in the Division 6-5A Basketball Tournament Monday by defeating Natchez 79-67.

The contest was postponed earlier because of icy conditions in Jackson.

The division tournament will be played in Natchez next Tuesday and Thursday.

Provine outscored Natchez 22-9 in the first quarter, but the second quarter stayed even at 18-18, leaving the Rams with a 40-27 halftime advantage.

Provine increased its lead to 59-43 in the third quarter before Natchez outscored the Rams 24-20 in the final period.

Justin Reed led Provine with 26 points, while Sandrell Spann added 15 and Marquis Brown 12.

Natchez was led by David Haywood with 28 points. Derrick Jarvis added 13 and Jamal Bouldin 10.

Natchez will face Forest Hill in a first round game next Tuesday, while Provine will meet Jim Hill.

In the girls contest, Provine pulled out an 81-72 win.

Tasha Christmas led the Lady Rams with 41 points.

Natchez was led by JaKeisha Hawkins with 22 points.

Natchez hosts Jefferson County today and Brookhaven on Friday in its final regular season contests.