Austin James dropped 28 points and hit four three-pointers to lead the Belgreen Bulldogs past the Tharptown Wildcats 66-54 Thursday night.

Belgreen fell behind early, trailing Tharptown 15-8 at the end of the first quarter, but the Bulldogs went on to outscore the Wildcats in each of the last three quarters to get the win.

Belgreen exploded for 22 points in the second quarter, with 11 points coming from James. The Bulldogs trailed by as many as 12 points in the second quarter but led by one, 30-29, at halftime.

Belgreen continued to outrace Tharptown in the third quarter, extending that lead to 46-41, and the Bulldogs outscored the Wildcats 20-13 in the fourth quarter. They went nine-for-13 from the free–throw line to secure the win.

Braycen Johnson followed James, scoring 15 points. Alex Guidry hit a pair of three pointers and scored nine points. Ely Mitchell added seven points. Will King and Hunter Woodruff scored three points each. Gabriel Estrada added on point.

Dylan Valdez led Tharptown with 18 points and made four three-pointers. He was followed by Dawson Higgins with 15 points and Malachi Minor with 12 points. Hunter Motes added seven points and Edwin Vela two points.