MOUNT VERNON, Ga. - In a hard-fought battle at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, the Brewton-Parker Barons fell just short, losing 86-79 to the University of Tennessee Southern Firehawks in the first round of the SSAC basketball conference tournament on February 26, 2025.

Brewton-Parker struggled initially but showed significant resilience, falling behind by as many as 14 points in the first half. Tommy J Tisdale III led the scoring with an impressive 27 points, keeping the game within reach. He was well-supported by Dre Burroughs, who not only scored 18 points but also shared the top assist position with Zsolt Boros, each making three assists. Boros also led in rebounds with 10 and contributed a steal, evidencing his all-around capabilities in this crucial game. The scoring of Tisdale, Boros, and Burroughs helped the Barons cut the deficit to one before entering halftime.

Notable highlights include a series of successful 3-pointers by Tisdale, which momentarily gave Brewton-Parker hope for an upset. However, Tennessee Southern's consistent performance and strategic play ultimately overcame the Barons' efforts. Tennessee capitalized on fast breaks, which was a decisive factor in extending their lead during the second half, with a score of 41-40 in favor of the Firehawks.

Despite the loss, the game had memorable moments for the Barons, who demonstrated their strengths, particularly from beyond the arc. The Barons managed to tie the game with under three minutes remaining but were unable to take the lead. The Firehawks rallied and made shots, forcing the Barons into fouling and giving them extra trips to the line at the end of the game. As the season concludes with a record of 7-22, the team looks forward to building on this experience and returning stronger next season.