NATCHEZ — The Terry High School Bulldogs put up 25 points in the fourth quarter, which matched the team’s output in the previous three periods, to pull out a 50-45 victory over the home-standing Natchez High Bulldogs Friday night.

Natchez was able to scratch its way through an ugly first half to lead 18-16 at the break. But the visiting Bulldogs edged Natchez 9-6 in the third quarter to take a 25-24 lead into the final frame.

Terry continued its run by stretching its lead to double digits midway through the fourth. The visiting Bulldogs were able to create some turnovers and turn those into easy baskets.

Then it was Natchez High’s chance to make its run. Natchez cut a 14-point deficit into a one-possession game late in the contest but some missed opportunities at the free throw line and from the field prevented the home-standing Bulldogs from pulling even.

“We turned up the pressure on defense, but we weren’t able to capitalize on some free throws,” Natchez assistant coach David Haywood said.

Natchez High’s DeArius Griffin led all scorers with 19 points, and he also pulled down 11 rebounds. Quincey Washington also finished the game in double figures with 11 points for Natchez.

Will Sheriff’s 17-point output led the visiting Bulldogs.

The loss dropped Natchez (7-9) to 0-3 in Region 6-6A play.

“We just need to work on our press offense, and we have to capitalize on our opportunities,” Haywood said. “We will be working hard every day together (to prepare for the postseason). All it takes is one win in the (region) tournament to advance.”

Natchez will host Jefferson County tonight.

Natchez girls 41, Terry 31

The Natchez High girls’ team secured its first Region 6-6A victory Friday night when it hosted the Terry Bulldogs.

Natchez, who was being coached by interim head coach Willie Woods, turned a close game into a double-digit victory by outscoring Terry 24-12 in the second half en route to a 41-31 victory over the visiting Lady Tigers.

“We played well and pulled together as a team,” Natchez assistant coach Sharhonda Welch said.

Natchez’s Ashley Minor led all scorers with 13 points in the contest. Keyana Miller added eight points, and Kiara Johnson scored seven points while grabbing 11 rebounds.

Natchez trailed 19-17 at the half before taking over the game in the final two periods, and Welch said it was a big boost for the girls to get their first region victory.

“We are on a roll now, and we don’t plan to be stopped,” she said.

Natchez High (14-4, 1-2) will host Jefferson County tonight.