The fourth quarter was the deciding factor in Chilton County’s 43-38 area loss to Selma in boys basketball on Jan. 9.

After the Tigers had played toe-to-toe with Selma for the entire game, tied at halftime and trailing by only one at the end of the third quarter, the Saints took control of the game late.

CCHS was outscored 12-8 in the final quarter and did not make the most of their possessions down the stretch.

According to CCHS head coach Deon Timmons, the Tigers have to capitalize on chances at easy baskets when available and not take ill-advised shots, which is an important part in maintaining a lead.

Patrick Rogers found success penetrating the lane in the third quarter with a pair of drives that resulted in points and gave CCHS a 30-25 lead.

However, Selma knocked down a pair of three-pointers prior to the end of the third quarter and quickly erased the Tigers’ lead.

CCHS played from behind the entire fourth quarter and made one last offensive surge after senior Joey Cleckler converted a couple of bank shots in the paint to cut Selma’s lead to 41-38 with 21.6 seconds left.

Selma missed the front end of a one-and-one opportunity at the free-throw line and Mondez Jones grabbed the rebound for CCHS. However, the Tigers’ trip down the court came up empty and the comeback attempt came up short.

The Tigers split the season series with Selma, having won 74-65 on the road Dec. 12, and fall to 6-10 overall and 1-1 in Area 5-6A.

Jones had a team-high 12 points, while Rogers added 11 of his own.