NATCHEZ — Up 30-29 at halftime, the Adams County Christian School Lady Rebels knew they were in for a fight in the second half of their game against University Academy. However, the Lady Lions were able to take command in the third quarter and defeat ACCS, 57-46.

University Academy shut down the Lady Rebels en route to a 20-3 third quarter, which ACCS head coach Melanie Hall said was the difference in the game.

“We went cold and they kept rolling,” Hall said. “That was the difference. This was a great learning game, and when you play teams like that, you’ve got to have four good quarters.”

ACCS tried to mount a rally late in the game, but the Lady Rebels were unable to dig out of the big hole.

Bailey Boyd led ACCS with 18 points and Anna McDaniel added 12 of her own.

With the loss, ACCS drops to 18-4, while University Academy improves to 14-3.

“That was a very good team we played,” Hall said. “In fact, between them and Bowling Green, that may be the best team we’ve played. We need to play teams like that. My hat is off to them, they played a very good ball game.”

The Lady Rebels also struggled to hold the Lady Lions off the boards, and Hall was frustrated most of the game.

“We got outrebounded badly,” she said. “That is one thing we pride ourselves in, is outrebounding our opponent. In my opinion, nine out of ten times, the team with the most rebounds is going to get the win. We were disappointed with that margin, but we’ll continue to learn and work. This is going to help.”

Hall’s message to the team was simple after the game, “Shake it off and learn from it,” she said. “Thank God for the opportunity to play, and be ready to go.”

Jada Swafford led University Academy with 26 points in the win.