Escambia Academy’s Lady Cougars got back on the winning track by defeating the Central Christian Lady Saints 49-31 Thursday night in Robertsdale.

The Lady Cougars (6-4, 0-1) were able to overmatch the Lady Saints and control the tempo of the game from start to finish.

Things started slow for the Lady Cougars in the first quarter as they only scored eight points, but held the lead by allowing the Lady Saints to score five.

In the second quarter, the Lady Cougars extended their lead on offense, while their defense began to dominate as they outscored Central Christian 14-8 and went into halftime leading 22-13.

Following halftime, the Lady Cougars continued to hold their lead as they pulled away from the Lady Saints on their way to a victory.

In the third quarter, EA scored 16 points to the Lady Saints’ six as they pulled ahead to 38-19.

Central Christian outscored the Lady Cougars in the fourth quarter 12-11, but the damage done in the first three quarters was enough to give EA the 49-31 win.

Lady Cougars head coach Heath Gibson said his team was able to get the win thanks to younger players.

“Some of our experienced players got into foul trouble early in the game, but we managed to get some great minutes out of the younger players,” he said. “The only thing that held us back in this win was our free-throw shooting, which was two-for-eight.”

Lady Cougars guard Grayson Emmons led EA with 19 points and also posted three steals, two assists and one rebound.

Forward Amber Huskey posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. She also recorded three steals, one block and one assist.

Taylor Helton added eight points and 13 rebounds for the Lady Cougars to go along with two blocks and one assist, while Allie Brooks scored six points and had six rebounds.

Kristen Matthews rounded out the scoring with two points and also recorded two assists, one steal and one block.