Tuscumbia moves on to the Final Four

SALISBURY, Mo. - The Tuscumbia Lady Lions hit three free throws in the final minute Saturday night to take a 61-60 victory against the Mercer Lady Cardinals in Class 1 quarterfinal action.

With the win, the Lady Lions (27-3) advance to the Final Four for the first time in program history. Tuscumbia will take on Naylor (22-6) at noon Thursday at the Hearnes Center. Naylor defeated Chadwick 61-55 in its quarterfinal Saturday.

Tuscumbia used a pressure defense to take a 14-5 lead after one quarter. The Lady Lions stretched their lead to as many as 16, that coming at 21-5, before the Lady Cardinals started their comeback and cut Tuscumbia's advantage to 30-24 at intermission.

Mercer continued its rally in the third quarter, taking its first lead of the game at 40-38 midway through the period. After the Lady Lions tied the game at 40, the Lady Cardinals closed the quarter with a 9-2 spurt and led 49-40 with one period to play.

Trailing 52-43 early in the fourth, Tuscumbia slowly climbed back into the contest. They tied the game at 58 with 1:15 left, then took a two-point lead with :57 remaining. After Mercer tied it at 60 with :44 left, Tuscumbia made a free throw with :17 left get the victory.

Kendra Vaughan paced Tuscumbia with 18 points, while TaKayla Gunter added 14.

Lindsay Wyatt finished with 26 points to pace Mercer (29-1). Bailey Owens added 17.