PULASKI ACADEMY 61, FORREST CITY 52
Forrest City Coach Dwight Lofton said he knew his team was in trouble Friday night against Pulaski Academy.
That was well before Pulaski Academy put the finishing touches on a 61-52 victory in a 4A-5 matchup at Alex Hugg Gymnasium.
"They got us playing their style, their tempo," Lofton said, "and once I saw that, I said, 'Dang, it's going to be interesting.' "
Forrest City (12-10, 8-6) led 18-11 early in the second quarter, but EJ Anderson took control for Pulaski Academy, which led 27-24 at halftime, 40-30 after three quarters and by as many as 15 points on three occasions in the fourth quarter.
Anderson, a 5-8 junior guard, scored 13 points in each half and ran the Bruins' offense just the way Coach Roger Franks wanted.
"Everything starts with him," Franks said of Anderson, who has taken over the lead role for the Bruins after Delta State signee Alex Brogdon suffered a season-ending foot injury earlier this month. "It's been awhile since he's had that many points."
Anderson was the focal point on offense for Pulaski Academy (8-12, 4-9), but he got help from sharpshooter Kaylan Makan (2 three-pointers, 8 total) and post man Griffin Newby (6 points), along with Chris Connell, Grayson Koller, Chris Connell, Logan Miller and Merritt Jones.
"PA executed well, and that's it," Lofton said. "They forced us into some difficult shots."
Forrest City was without 6-4 starting center Chad Mathis (knee) and 6-3 senior Randal Moore. Two Mustangs -- TaDarius Dale (24) and JJ Whitby (20) -- accounted for all but 8 of the team's points.
"I knew we had to make shots," Lofton said, "and we had to make shots early."
Forrest City still ranks fourth in the region and is on track to earn at spot in the state tournament behind Mills, eStem and McClellan.
Franks said the Bruins are looking ahead to next season, not their playoff chances.
"We've been so concerned with taking care of ourselves and getting our season headed in the right direction," Franks said. "We knew if we had a chance, it would be a long shot."
Sports on 02/09/2019