J.R. Tidwell/FCT Drew Malone (12) of the Russellville Golden Tigers dribbles the ball up the court and looks for an open teammate in a game played earlier this season.

Slade Gilmer

For the FCT

TUSCUMBIA —Russellville fell behind early and never could get going in a 65-41 loss to the Brooks Lions in the Wayne Bracy/Helen Keller Hospital Invitational Tournament at the Deshler Dome on Thursday night, Dec. 27.

After taking a 2-0 lead, the Golden Tigers were never able to sustain momentum, as Brooks used hot outside shooting in the first half to build a big lead and never looked back.

The first period saw the Lions hit four three-pointers and take 16-8 lead.

Despite seven second-quarter points from Golden Tiger forward Leslie Dunstan, Russellville never could gain any traction, as the Lions used a solid inside-outside combination to pile up 21 points, taking a 37-19 lead into the locker room.

Russellville showed some signs of life in the third period, as Dunstan hit a three and Caleb Robison hit a runner to cut the lead to 37-24, but that was as close as the Golden Tigers would get. A long 3-pointer and three quick layups put Brooks on top by 22, and they would take a 47-27 lead into the final period.

Brooks outscored Russellville 18-14 in the final stanza to take the 65-41 win and advanced to face Central-Florence in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Russellville, who fell to 4-7 on the season, faced Wilson last night in a consolation game. Results were not available at press time.

Dunstan led the way with a game-high 21 points. Jackson Smith had six, Robison, Kaelan Bonds, and Jacob Seal each had four and Chris Owens added two for the Golden Tigers.