The Trinity Episcopal Saints turned to their defense in the second and third quarters to pull away from Briarfield Academy on their way to a 75-47 win over the Rebels Wednesday night in the first round of the MAIS Class A South State Tournament at Rebul Academy.

Briarfield Academy, the No. 4 seed out of District 5, did its best to stay with Trinity Episcopal, the District 4 champion and No. 1 seed. The Rebels were only down by three points, 18-15, at the end of the first quarter.

However, the Saints put away any thoughts of an upset win by the Rebels with a 21-8 advantage in the second quarter for a 39-23 halftime lead. Trinity Episcopal then put the game completely out of reach by outscoring Briarfield 15-6 in the third quarter for a 54-29 lead.

TJ Peyton led the Saints with a game-high 20 points while Cedric Daniels poured in 12 points and DeSanto Rollins added 10 points. Holt Martin led the Rebels with 19 points.

Trinity Episcopal (14-5) will take on District 5 No. 2 seed Central School from Grand Cane, La. in the boys’ semifinals Friday at 6:30 p.m. With the win over Briarfield, the Saints also clinched a berth in next week’s Class A State Tournament.

Tallulah Academy 55, Trinity Episcopal 13 (girls)

LEARNED — The Trinity Episcopal Lady Saints saw their season come to an end Wednesday night after falling to the Tallulah Academy Lady Trojans 55-13 in the first round of the MAIS Class A South State Tournament at Rebul Academy.

Tallulah Academy, the District 5 No. 3 seed, jumped out to a 20-2 lead on District 4 No. 2 seed Trinity Episcopal and never looked back. By the time halftime arrived, the Lady Trojans had a comfortable 34-6 lead.

Cate Drane led the Lady Saints (7-12) with six points and Cecile Croquet had four points.