LAKE CHARLES — Top-seeded Marksville turned a tight game into a comfortable victory with a dominant second quarter, defeating No. 5 Mamou 66-47 in the Division III (Non-Select) semifinals.
Mamou, continuing its Cinderella run through the playoffs, came out aggressive early. Ernest Dugas energized the Green Demons with a strong drive to the basket that ended with a one-handed slam, helping Mamou keep pace in the opening quarter.
But Marksville responded with defensive pressure that began to shift the momentum. Devin Lavalais sparked the Tigers with a steal that led to a smooth finish on the other end, helping knot the game at 14-14 after the first quarter.
Jamison Viltz tried to keep Mamou within striking distance in the second quarter. The Green Demons guard attacked the rim for a basket as part of his team-high 14 points.
Marksville, however, seized control of the game during the period. The Tigers outscored Mamou 24-10 in the quarter, turning the close contest into a double-digit lead. Lavalais led the surge, scoring two more baskets on his way to a game-high 18 points as Marksville carried a 38-24 advantage into halftime.
The Tigers maintained their control in the second half, keeping Mamou from mounting a comeback and closing out the 19-point victory.
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