Miscues hurt Tarpons in loss to Tigers

The Terrebonne Tigers capitalized on a number of missed lay-ups by the South Lafourche Tarpons en route to a runaway 61-38 victory Friday night in Houma.

Terrebonne Head Coach David Neal said this win was important to stay alive in the district and playoff race.

“Every game is a big game from here on out,” Neal said. “We were consistent tonight both offensively and defensively and did a good job of getting the ball to the open man all game. That was the most important thing coming into the game.”

The Tarpons (13-15, 4-6) jumped ahead 1-0 early following a free throw by Brent Adams. After a Terrebonne basket, the Tarpons regained the lead after a Cyle Fonseca three pointer made the score 4-2. It would be the last lead the Tarpons had the rest of the game.

Stan Coleman and Brandon Diggs combined to score eight of the 11 points for the Tigers (17-11, 5-5) in the first quarter as they held an 11-6 lead heading into the second quarter.

The Tarpons were never able to recover and were outscored 13-7 in the second quarter and trailed 24-13 at halftime.

The Tarpons replicated their first quarter performance in the third quarter. After opening up with a 5-0 run and cutting the deficit to six (24-18), the Tarpons appeared to be on the verge of making Terrebonne earn the win.

However, the Tigers responded by going on a 6-0 run, increasing their lead to 30-18. Once again the Tarpons were unable to respond and the Tigers took the 38-24 lead going into the final quarter.

The Tigers continued their dominance in the fourth, outscoring the Tarpons 23-14 on their way to the blowout victory.

South Lafourche Head Coach Brian Callais said the Tarpons missed too many opportunities.

“I don’t care who we’re playing, if we miss lay-ups and don’t get offensive rebounds we are not going to win,” Callais said. “We got within six but started shooting three’s, that’s what hurt us. Terrebonne started their running there and capitalized on our mistakes.”

Leading the way for the Tarpons was Fonseca, who finished with 13. Coleman had 16 and Diggs added 17 to lead all Tiger scorers.

Both teams will return to action Tuesday night when the Tigers host No. 1 ranked Ellender and the Tarpons host Assumption.