SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Quinn Atkinson’s last-second shot beat the buzzer but not the scoreboard as the Toros came up a point short 59-58 against visiting Saraland Monday. Spanish Fort trailed 47-39 after three period, but opened the fourth quarter with a 14-6 run.

John Wesley Williamson capped the swing with a 53-53 tying shot and hit the free-throw to take the lead with 80 seconds to play. The Spartans then went 4-for-5 at the line to lead 59-54. Atkinson’s long shot under pressure went in and the Toros hoped for a foul call and a chance to tie. But officials initially ruled the shot after the buzzer, but conferred and counted the basket. But no foul.

Josh Bazzel scored 25 points for Saraland which improved to 10-11 overall. DeWayne Norwood added 10. Atkinson led the Toros with 22 points, Terrin Atkinson finished with 14 and Williamson added 13 for SF.

The Spartans opened with a 21-4 run in the first quarter, but Spanish Fort (17-10) countered with a 20-13 swing in the second period to close the gap to 34-24 at the half. The Toros chipped away at the lead with a 15-13 third-set advantage until the fourth quarter rally.  

The Toros had defeated the Spartans earlier in the season at Saraland. The two teams could meet again in sub-region action if both advance from area play.

Spanish Fort opens Class 5A Area 2 tournament play against Williamson at B.C. Rain Friday at 6 p.m. Rain will host Gulf Shores in the nightcap at 7:30 p.m. The two semifinal winners will meet in the 5A Area 2 championship Monday at Rain at 7:30 p.m.

The Spartans will play at Class 5A Area 3 tournament host Jackson High in first-round action Friday.