ADA – The Altus High Lady Bulldogs got a little bit more than they bargained for. But they still came out a winner.

The Lady Bulldogs exploded in the second half and defeated the Ardmore Lady Tigers 49-32 in the first round of the Class 5A Regional Basketball Tournament on Thursday.

The victory sends the Lady Bulldogs to Saturday’s final against Ada who was a 49-35 winner over Chickasha.

The Lady Bulldogs had to be considered a heavy favorite over the Lady Tigers. Ardmore came into the game with a 5-17 record while Altus was 15-6.

The stubborn Lady Tigers held a five point 28-23 lead three minutes into the second half. But Altus went on a terror and outpointed Ardmore 26-4 the rest of the way.

Kiondra Harris drained a three-point shot at the third quarter buzzer and the Lady Bulldogs led 31-28. They never trailed after that.

Altus hit 10 of 13 free throws down the stretch and kept adding to their lead.

The Lady Bulldogs played superb defense in the second half permitting only 11 points in those 16 minutes.

Janelle Durrough led Altus with 12 points while Taren Ray and Meagan Steen had 10 points each.