NATCHEZ — A slow first half for Trinity Episcopal saw the Saints leading Chamberlain-Hunt Academy by just six points at the half.

But Trinity got its act together in the second half, wearing down the Wildcats as the Saints cruised to an 85-49 victory.

Trinity assistant coach Richy Spears said players were able to respond to the coaches challenging them to step up their game.

“They finally woke up,” Spears said. “They were probably tired of getting fussed at.”

“Our full-court pressure wore them out after a while. We do have some numbers, so that’s what we have to try to do. We have a bunch of athletes, so we just need to tire everyone out, sub in and out and keep the pressure on.”

Trinity led 26-20 at the half, and several Trinity players allowed the Saints to pull further ahead early in the third quarter.

The Wildcats outscored the Saints 6-5 in the first two and a half minutes in the third, but Tip McKenzie and Tanner Cage took matters into their own hands for the Saints.

McKenzie hit a free throw, and Cage followed it up with a two-point basket at the 5:02 mark in the third. With 4:36 left, McKenzie hit a two-point basket.

The Wildcats scored two at the 4:04 mark, but Cage responded with a two-pointer with 3:42 left. Kent King scored two with 3:20 left, and Cage got another basket with 3:09 left. After Chamberlain-Hunt scored another two-pointer, Cage got his last field goal of the third with 2:17 left.

The Saints led 50-35 at the end of the third, outscoring Chamberlain-Hunt 24-15.

In the fourth quarter, Trinity pulled away for good, going on a 10-4 run in the opening two minutes. Cage scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, and finished the game with 24 points total. The Wildcats managed just 14 points in the fourth to the Saints’ 35.

King finished the game with 11 points, and McKenzie had nine points.

Trinity pulled its starters with three minutes left in regulation, and Spears said the experience would pay off for the younger players.

“It’s just good to get them time on the floor,” Spears said. “It allows everyone to play together and get in shape. We’re still only seven games into the season.”

Trinity (5-2, 2-0) will host Briarfield Academy Friday.