The first game of the Southeast Regional featured a pair of teams who had faced each other a couple of times already this season. The result was the same as the other two.

Booker T. Washington High School's girls' team defeated Benjamin Russell for the third time this year to advance to the regional finals 55-42.

"We have dubbed this team as 'Team of Destiny IV,'" Washington coach Charles Biggers said. "We had to get into this tournament through the back door, but we fought hard and beat a good Benjamin Russell team."

The Lady Eagles jumped out early on the Lady Wildcats, forcing 12 first-quarter turnovers to build a 15-8 lead. Russell attempted only 11 field goals in the first quarter.

"They did a good job of putting the press on us early," Russell coach Bill Lutz said. "We made some adjustments to beat the press later, but we gave up too many points too early."

Washington built a lead of 11 points twice in the game, but both times Russell went on a run. Booker T.Washington will play Friday at 9 a.m.against area foe Eufaula.