The Quitman Bulldogs suffered a tough loss to Winnsboro in the last few minutes of the game Tuesday, Feb. 6, 43-36.

The Bulldogs led the game at several points but were not able to hang on at the end, allowing the Raiders to successfully defend their home court.

The first quarter started very slow for Quitman until the Bulldogs’ Payton Sapp sank a three pointer with around two and a half minutes left in the quarter. Carter Smith then managed a defensive rebound and drove down the court for a jump shot, earning another two points. Smith also hit a triple at the end of the quarter, bringing Quitman within a point at Winnsboro 9, Quitman 8. 

The second quarter was all Winnsboro, with Quitman’s lone basket occurring early when Sapp hit a three. Winnsboro scored 14 points to Quitman’s 3, ending the half at Winnsboro 23, Quitman 11. 

The Bulldogs came out ready to prove themselves in the second half and completely dominated the third quarter, scoring 21 points to Winnsboro’s eight.

Smith started off the quarter with a basket. Sapp quickly followed with a triple followed by another quick three. Smith scored another two points after a pass from Klayton Meadows. Meadows added a basket, and Sapp hit another three. Bryson Hobbs scored two points under the basket. With just over a minute left in the third quarter, Smith made a triple to tie the game. Sapp was fouled and hit one at the free throw line to give Quitman the edge, 32-31. 

The fourth quarter was a defensive battle for the first four minutes until Winnsboro finally scored. They added a basket that Smith answered with his own. Meadows converted an offensive rebound into a basket. Fouls caught up to Quitman, with six times in two minutes of the game. Winnsboro took advantage of their time at the free throw line to get the win 43-36.