Speed proved to be difference in the Escambia Academy Cougars’ Final Four match up against the Evangel Christian Academy Lions Tuesday night in Montgomery.

The Lions used their athleticism to jump ahead early and finished strong to come away with an 83-53 victory over the Cougars.

The Cougars earned the chance to play in the AISA Final Four by defeating the Restoration Academy Bulldogs 46-38 in last week’s Elite 8 match up.

It was a mismatch from the opening tip, but the Cougars made the most of their opportunity in the semifinal match up giving the Lions (26-5) all they could handle despite losing by 30. The contest was a stark contrast to the first match up earlier in the season when the Cougars (20-8) lost by more than 40 points.

A lack of offense for EA in the first quarter pushed the Lions out to the lead, which was 45-23 at halftime.

The Cougars played stronger in the second half scoring 30 points in the final two periods, but the quick offensive style of Evangel canceled out the scoring efforts of the Escambia Academy Cougars.