NATCHEZ — The Cathedral School boys’ basketball team had faced Piney Woods twice this season and both times had lost by more than 20 points.

Thursday night the two teams faced off again in the Region 7-1A Tournament at Cathedral, and fans that made it out to watch were treated to a much better contest.

Cathedral trailed by just five points with approximately four minutes to go in the contest, but a late Piney Woods run extended that lead, and the Tornadoes would go on to win the game 58-50.

The Green Wave had the ball looking to trim the Piney Woods lead down to one possession but was unable to convert on a two-on-one break, and Piney Woods took the ball down and scored. After another Piney Woods basket made Cathedral’s deficit nine, Piney Woods had a bit of luck go its way.

The Tornadoes were looking to throw an alley-oop pass from half court and instead the ball found its way through the net to give Piney Woods a 12-point lead.

“When that happens you know it’s just not your night,” Cathedral coach Peter Arnold said.

Arnold said despite the loss he was pleased with his team’s play.

“We played so hard,” he said. “We played well. We just needed a couple more baskets to go in and maybe a call or two. Their size is just hard to overcome.”

Cathedral was forced to change its defensive philosophy in the game to stop Dandy Dozen standout Phillip Jones, Arnold said.

“We played a diamond-and-one defense with Carl Hammitte on (Jones) and tried to make every one else try to make some shots and keep the game in the 50s to give ourselves a chance.”

The Green Wave did keep the game in the 50s, but Jones still got his fair share of points. He finished with 22.

D.J. Perry led Cathedral with 16 points, and Daniel Huffines scored 14 points.

The Green Wave will face the loser of Hinds AHS and West Lincoln at 5:30 p.m. today.

No matter what happens in the consolation game, the Green Wave have already qualified for the playoffs. Cathedral is now 15-13 on the season.