The Selma Times-Journal

After watching a six-point lead evaporate and turn into a six-point deficit, the Selma Saints were looking for a spark as they faced West End Saturday night at home.

Selma entered the fourth period trailing 32-27. Despite West End’s lead, the Lions never had the advantage, Selma answered them basket-for-basket. Early in the fourth frame, the Saints cut the Lion lead to a trio of points, 35-32.

That’s also when they found the spark they needed.

West End’s coach Reginald McGary was the recipient of a pair of technical fouls after the officials called a foul on one of his Lions.

This gift by the officials, sent Quinn Pernell to the line for a quartet of freebies.

Pernell sank three of the four to tie the game at 35-35.

The race was back on after that, with neither team being able to control the momentum.

That’s until Dre Benjamin stepped up to lead the Saints.

The junior center had nine points all game. At the 2:25 mark in the fourth frame, he quickly doubled that with a trio of baskets and a pair of trips to the charity stripe, securing the Saints 53-48 victory over West End.

Benjamin finished the night with 18 points and Pernell added 12 points. Cameron Turner also chipped in with nine points.