By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

The Troup Tigers handled Heard County 66-47 on Tuesday to secure their first home victory of the season.

After dropping their first two games of the season, the Tigers have won three of their past four to even their record at 3-3.

In Tuesday’s game, Jarrious Jefferson scored 20 points while making 5-of-6 free-throw attempts, and Andy Boykin added 12 points while providing a formidable presence inside.

Montez Crowe added eight points, Joko Willis scored six points, with two of them coming on a thunderous dunk in the second half, and King Mwikuita scored five points.

Troup head coach Blake Craft felt Boykin and Willis provided some key contributions off the bench.

“I thought Andy Boykin and Joko Willis, they came off the bench and gave some great minutes tonight,” Craft said. “If we get them playing well, it’s going to be a fun season.”

Ten different players scored for the Tigers.

Alija Huzzie scored 19 points for Heard County, and Tray Dunson scored 14 points.

The Tigers started quickly, surging to a 21-8 lead after the first quarter, but the Braves rallied in the second quarter to cut their deficit to 32-25 at the half.

The lead was six in the third quarter when Boykin made back-to-back baskets to make it a 10-point game, and the Tigers led 48-37 after the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Ja’Rell Smith made a 3-pointer with 4:20 remaining to give the Tigers an 11-point lead, and they had a double-digit advantage the rest of the way.

Troup will visit Callaway on Friday.