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Escambia County’s Sheldon Williams scored 28 points and the Blue Devils made needed free throws late to outlast Baldwin County 49-42 tonight at home.

Williams, who was unstoppable inside, matched his scoring total from the previous night, a 63-47 loss to Mary Montgomery on the road.

The junior scored 13 points as ECHS led 21-20 at halftime.

Late in the fourth period, Escambia County’s Jacob Dirden and Jacobey James made key free throws to put the game out of reach.

ECHS coach John Shears said the team played about the same as it did Thursday night at Mary Montgomery, however.

“We played better closing the game toward the end at the free throw line,” Shears said. “We’re doing good closing the game out, but we shouldn’t be in that situation.”

ECHS held a 34-27 lead going into the fourth period, but the Tigers went on a quick 5-0 run to close the game.

Baldwin County’s Antonio Williams led the short run, capping it with an old-fashioned 3-point play.

Tanner Durant added a 3-pointer to put BCHS ahead 37-36 a short time later.

Williams answered with a short spurt of his own to put the Blue Devils ahead 40-37.

With less than 4 minutes left, Durant made another from the arch to tie the game.

The game was tied 42-all with 1:30 left.

After trading timeouts, ECHS then went on a 7-0 run thanks to the made free throws.

BCHS led 10-8 after the first period.

James contributed with five points.

Keyon Palmer led BCHS with 12 points.

With the victory, the Blue Devils improve to 11-11 on the season.

ECHS hosts St. Michael Catholic on Tuesday in area action.