Basketball: Tigers close out season on top

The Commerce boys’ basketball team ended its season with a comeback victory against Pinecrest Academy on senior night.

Playing in their fifth game in eight days, the Tigers showed signs of fatigue through the first half.

After a back and forth battle, the Tigers found themselves trailing by three heading into the second half.

Pinecrest was able to extend its lead by five (38-33) going into the fourth quarter, but the Tigers weren’t ready to lay down and die.

Commerce, led by Thomas McMillan (20 points, 20 rebounds), battled back in the fourth, outscoring the Paladins 18-7, and effectively sealing a 51-45 Tiger victory.

“It was a very sluggish start,” said Tiger head coach Rob Brown. “We didn’t play well in the first half, but I’m pleased we were able to rebound from that.”

Robert Hayes added 10 points and 11 rebounds.

With that victory, the 12-12 Tigers sealed second place in their sub-region and are set to take on Athens Academy today (Wednesday) in the first round of the region tournament.

Commerce fell to the Spartans 43-37 in the regular season, but Brown feels that his Tigers will fare better this time around.

“We were 8-21 on free throws, missed several layups and turned the ball over a ton last time we played them,” he said. “Hopefully, we can turn things around and play a little bit better basketball.”

The boys’ tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. in Towns County. Check www.mainstreetnewsSPORTS.com for updates on the region tournaments.

While finishing the season .500 isn’t exactly ideal, Brown said he is mostly happy with the way the 2012-13 season played out.

“All things considered, I’m really pleased with our team,” he said. “Being that it was my first year at head coach, we made a lot of changes and the guys did a good job adapting to them.”

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, the Tigers defeated Towns County 65-50.

McMillan led the Tiger scoring effort with 19 points.

Last Friday, the Tigers dropped a makeup game with Hebron Christian, 54-44.

Tyre Treadwell led scoring with 14 points. Robert Hayes added 11.