Vashun Newborne tipped in a last second shot lifting Natchez to a 63-61 shocker over No. 10 Brookhaven. However, the Lady Bulldogs could not overcome Nikki Blakely’s 20 points as they fell 52-47 on Sweetheart Night at Natchez High.

Brookhaven’s Panthers marched into Adams County with a formidable 24-3 mark, but according to Natchez coach Mike Martin the game is still &uot;won by the team that has the most points.&uot;

From the opening tip, Natchez had difficulty against the visitors speed and depth. The Panther press caused a number of turnovers as they bolted out to a 17-14 first quarter lead. It could have been much worse for the hosts if it wasn’t for David Haywood’s 12 first-half points.

As the Bulldogs continue to ride Haywood’s efforts, the Panthers finished the half strong with a B.J. Black slam and a Tony Thompson 3-pointer to take a nice 33-24 advantage to the lockerroom.

Natchez rallied back behind the sharp-shooting of Jamal Bouldin.

Bouldin lead the Bulldog 11-2 third quarter run with four 3-pointers, finishing with 16 second-half points. His heroics were highlighted by a half-court bomb as the third quarter came to a close. Natchez would lead for the first time 45-44, setting up a terrific fourth frame.

Haywood and Bouldin continued to pound away at the Panthers, as they had a 50-44 advantage with 6:55 left. But Brookhaven responded due in part to Thompson’s 12 fourth quarter points. With the game tied 56-all with 1:43 left the temperature soared and the capacity crowd was in a frenzy.

Both teams exchanged leads until Brookhaven rebounded a missed free throw, and had the ball with 30 seconds left as the game was knotted at 61.

As the Panthers stalled for the last shot, a turnover gave the hosts the ball with four seconds left. That set up Newborne’s game-winner.

Haywood finished with a team-high 20 points with Haywood adding 16.

Brookhaven was paced by Thompson game-high 21 points.

In the opener, the Lady Bulldogs hung tough riding the efforts of Christen West and Crystal Sylvester. But a 17-10 third quater run buried any chances for an upset. West and Sylvester finished with 12 and 10 points respectively for the tough-luck hosts.

Lady Bulldog coach Mary Irving, summed up her team’s performance. &uot;Turnovers, that what killed us, we can’t turn the ball over and expect to win plain and simple.&uot;

Natchez hosts the Division 6-5A Tournament next week, as the Lady Bulldogs meet Forest Hill at 7 p.m., followed by Natchez and Forest Hill boys. Provine and Jim Hill’s girls face off at 4 p.m., followed by the Provine-Jim Hill boys at 5:30 p.m