The Pike County boy’s basketball team took another step towards an area championship on Tuesday evening when they defeated Providence 46-40.

Coming off a 56-38 loss to Barbour County on Saturday, the Bulldogs righted the ship against a talented and athletic Providence team.

“They were a really balanced team,” said Bulldogs head coach Doug Holland. “They were able to shoot the ball really well against us. We started out slow, but picked it up in the second half and got into our offense.”

The win brings them to 4-1 in the area, setting them up for an opportunity to claim a share of the area championship.

“We talked to them about the importance of winning a big area game on the road,” Holland said. “It’ sets up for an opportunity for us to be Houston Academy and win at least a share of the area championship.”

Juhmir Lampley led the Bulldogs with 15 points in the win.

“He has been solid all year,” Holland said. “He is one of those players that works hard. I have been proud of him all year for his leadership both on and off the court.”

Jahzarian Lampley finished with 11, Uri Rouse had nine and Jaidyn Wilson tallied seven points for the Bulldogs.

After both teams combined to score just 13 first quarter points, with the Bulldogs clinging to a 7-6 lead heading into the second quarter, Pike County outscored Providence 30-23 in the next two quarters.

“We trapped them a lot more during those quarters,” Holland said. “We were able to play a lot of guys that contributed. I was proud of that stretch, because it allowed us to do some things to get guys an opportunity to play.”

After going into halftime with a 25-17 lead, the Bulldogs scored 12 third quarter points, six of which went to Juhmir Lampley. After going into the fourth quarter leading 30-24, the Bulldogs were outscored 16 to nine, but were able to hold on for the win.

The Bulldogs will host Houston Academy this evening beginning at 7 p.m.