NATCHEZ — Defense dominated in Friday night’s MAIS District 5-AA matchup between Brookhaven Academy and Trinity Episcopal.

Every possession was critical throughout the contest, as the two teams traded baskets the whole game. But, Brookhaven was able to get its nose out in front midway through the fourth quarter, made its free throws down the stretch and put the clamps on Trinity’s offense during crucial possessions to pull out a 41-35 win.

The loss was the Saints’ second to Brookhaven this season, and head coach David King said Brookhaven just had the edge Friday night.

“We just got beat by a better ball club,” King said.

Brookhaven led the way 8-5 after the first quarter, but the Saints left a lot of points on the floor by missing a handful of layups in the opening period.

King said he was proud of the way his team played defensively but disappointed in the offensive execution.

“(Defense) was outstanding,” he said. “We just couldn’t shoot.”

Trinity bounced back with defense in the second quarter. The Saints were able to pressure Brookhaven into turnovers, which Trinity turned into easy transition layups on the other end of the floor. But, Brookhaven still led 16-15 at the break.

Both teams scored eight points each in the third period to set up a fourth quarter in which every possession was a nail-biter for both teams.

Brookhaven was able to put together a couple of shots and force a few late Trinity turnovers to stretch its lead to two possessions in the fourth quarter, and leading scorer Brock Smith made six free throws down the stretch to secure the win for Cougars.

Smith finished the game with 17 points.

Tanner Cage led Trinity with 13 points, and Jake Winston added nine points.

The loss dropped Trinity to 16-8 overall and 3-2 in the district and with just a few games left before postseason-play, King said the Saints are still looking to improve.

“We will get it better by district (tournament) play,” he said.

Brookhaven girls 63, Trinity 27

The Brookhaven Academy girls’ basketball team set the tone for the night in the first quarter of its game against Trinity Episcopal by jumping out to a 38-9 lead.

Brookhaven extended its lead to 54-13 by halftime and cruised to a 63-27 win over the Lady Saints.

Abbey Ashmore was the leading scorer for Trinity with seven points. Patsy Coffey and Mallory Lancaster each chipped in with five points each, and Murphy Aldridge scored four points for Trinity.

Brookhaven’s Laura Beth Wright led all scorers with 22 points and her teammate Terah Winborne scored 16 for the Lady Cougars.

The loss dropped Trinity to 7-15 overall and 0-5.