The defending state champion Tigers used a 30-12 advantage in the fourth quarter to fend off the upset-minded Spartans in the Section 2-AA battle.

Laurel (0-2, 2-3) took a 47-45 lead into the final stanza by outscoring Beaver Falls 19-8 to start the second half.

“Our guys played tremendous,” Laurel coach Ken Locke said. “I’m so proud of them. They did everything we asked of them and more. We were right there in the fourth quarter. We gave ourselves a chance, but they’re ranked No. 1 for a reason. We just let it get away from us. Once you let them get ahead of you, chasing them can get a little complex.

“We outscored them 19-8 in the third quarter. Our scoring was spread out and everyone stepped up. It proves to the kids and everyone else that we can compete with anyone.”

The Tigers (2-0, 4-0) needed a 6-0 run to end the second quarter to take a 37-28 lead into halftime.

Beaver Falls made 30-of-63 shots from the field, while Laurel connected on 20-of-44 attempts. The Spartans committed 14 turnovers.

“Against their pressure and intensity, I’m pretty satisfied,” Locke said. “It was a physical game. The refs let the hand-checking go. Our guys handled the basketball well. We were in the game, because they were able to do that.

“We shot the ball bell. I definitely can’t complain.”

Scott Siddall led Laurel with 19 points and Jacob Wilson had 17. Mason Mraz recorded seven points and seven rebounds.

“Scott Siddall played a huge game,” Locke said. “We knew what he was capable of from last year. Tonight, he really did step up for us.

“Hopefully, this is a confidence builder. It shows that we can play with anyone. The kids are disappointed. We can’t change the outcome, so we’re looking at it as a building stone for the rest of the section.”