FAIRHOPE, Alabama — Rushing Watson came down with three-consecutive rebounds at the Pirates’ defensive end and made three-straight outlet passes to breaking teammates Trent Baggerly and Britton Flowers who combined for a 7-0 run late in the final quarter to break a 46-46 tie with visiting Foley Tuesday.

The Lions rallied back to close the gap to five points with a minute, 50 seconds left in regulation. But Watson scored nine points in the next 63 seconds to secure a 63-58 Area 3 win in Class 6A for Fairhope.

Nate Andrews scored 13 points to lead the Pirates (10-12, 2-4), Trent Baggerly added 11, Watson had 10, Davis Watson nine and Flowers eight. Foley’s Melo Harris led the Lions with 13 points, Velle Adams scored 10 and Trey Sprinkle finished with nine. The Lions went 7-of-17 at the free-throw line while Fairhope was 10-for-23 overall.

The Pirates led 15-11 to start the second period, but trailed Foley 30-24 at halftime. Fairhope rallied to tie the score 33-33 midway into the third period which ended with the Pirates leading 41-40. The teams traded leads until Harris knocked down both ends of a 1-and-1 foul set to tie it 46 all with 4:29 remaining. Fairhope then outscored the Lions 17-12, 6-1 of that from the line.

“We’re young and we’re taking our lumps right now,” said Foley head coach Shumbe Hunter. “But we played hard and the guys never gave up. We just need to get more experience in these close game situations. And we’re going to be getting there.”

Fairhope coach Robbie Robertson was glad to see his team respond to the Foley pressure which never let up.

“We kept our guard up better, didn’t quit, kept playing aggressive defense and found ways to get people open for good shots and score . Rushing did a great job on both ends of the court and everybody stepped up when they needed to. Always like to see that.”

Fairhope will travel to Robertsdale Friday for another 6A Area 3 showdown and will host Daphne Tuesday. Those games are set for 7:30 p.m.