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Montevallo’s strong start and resolve in the fourth quarter led the Bulldogs to a three-point victory against county rival Calera. (Reporter Photos/Andrew Simonson)

By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

MONTEVALLO – It wasn’t easy for the Montevallo Bulldogs, but they held off their county rivals the Calera Eagles for a 31-28 victory on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the University of Montevallo’s Trustmark Arena.

The Bulldogs opened the game on a great run on offense and defense. Five players scored a basket for Montevallo while its defense allowed just two points to end the quarter with a 10-2 lead.

The second quarter was much quieter as each team scored four points apiece. However, Tristan Stoutermire made a big impact for the Bulldogs, scoring all four of those points and securing multiple blocks to keep Calera’s offense at bay.

That helped Montevallo go to the break with a 14-6 lead, but Calera wasn’t out of the fight yet.

While the Bulldogs extended their lead to 10 early in the third, the Eagles cut the lead to five in the final minute of the quarter and went into the fourth down just 23-18.

That kicked off a frantic final stretch where Calera put the pressure on Montevallo. The Eagles drew within two points of tying the game with two-and-a-half minutes to go in the contest.

However, the Bulldogs kept getting to the free throw line on both ends of the floor. They scored five of their eight points from the foul stripe and used their slight advantage to hold off Calera.

That led to a 31-28 win for Montevallo despite the Eagles’ effort at a comeback.

Stoutermire led all scorers with 11 points and Destiny Burns scored six for the Bulldogs. A’Mya Hudson scored five points and Brianna Hudson had four.

For Calera, Mia Wade was the team’s top scorer with eight points. Tamia Fairbanks scored seven points and Jada Blake had six points.

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