The Pike County Lady Bulldogs won their first area game of the season on Tuesday when they defeated Houston County 27-26.

The win for the Bulldogs improves their area record to 1-2.

Keeyah Rodgers converted two free throws to give the Bulldogs the lead in the final seconds of the contest.

“Our school motto is 212,” said Bulldogs head coach Todd Reynolds. “At 211 degrees water will not boil, you need that one extra degree. We have been working on getting that one extra degree and tonight we got it.”

The Bulldog defense was they key in the game.

“Precious Vaznaian had 21 steals for us,” Reynolds said.

The Bulldogs managed to score just five points in the first period, and took a 5-0 lead into the second quarter. After going into the half tied at eight, the Bulldogs were able to obtain a 19-16 lead heading into the game’s final quarter. With the Bulldogs trailing by one Rodgers knocked down both free throws with 12 seconds left.

“We have been working on this for a year and a half now,” Reynolds said. “When your building something it takes time. We have been taking our lumps, but this was the game when the players decided enough was enough.  They didn’t fold and they rose up and pulled it out. I am so proud for them.”

The Bulldogs hope to even their area mark when they take on Wicksburg on the road on Friday beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m.