A 17-2 run by the Sidney Lanier High School Lady Poets proved to be the difference Thursday night as the Selma Lady Saints dropped a 64-51 decision.

The Lady Saints (21-5) will have to settle for the consolation game of the Class 6A, Area 4 Tournament. Selma will play for third place in the area Saturday night at 6 p.m.

The Lady Poets will be in the championship game Saturday night at 7:30.

Senior forward Santana Seay helped the Lady Saints build a 25-12 lead with 5:12 remaining in the first half. Seay finished with 21 points.

But Lanier’s Ebony Jones started her team on a run that would change the game’s complexion. Jones, who finished with 12 points, hit a pair of lay-ups, while Michelle Cottrell drained a three-pointer at the buzzer and Lanier took a 29-27 halftime lead.

The Lady Poets continued their run in the third period. Jasmine Melson sank two 3-pointers to put Lanier ahead, 42-32.

Seay answered with two buckets, but Melson came back to put the Lady Poets up by eight.

Lanier’s man-to-man defense forced several turnovers which the Lady Poets turned into easy baskets. Melson broke Selma’s press with her ball handling, then added baskets on consecutive trips to put the game away.

Erica Lumpkin tossed in 10 points for the Lady Saints, while Gabrielle Goudy and Ashley Green chipped in seven and five points, respectively.