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Escambia Academy’s Rontae Watson scored 19 points to help lead the Cougars to a 56-52 overtime victory over Central Christian Thursday night in Canoe.

After regulation, the game was tied 45-45 going into extra time, where Watson went 5-of-6 from the charity stripe.

Earlier in the game, the Cougars and Central were notched 8-all at the end of the first period, and the Robertsdale school led 23-19 at halftime.

EA led 37-30 after the third period.

Head basketball coach Jerome Webster said the boys turned it around in the second half.

“We went man to man,” Webster said about his defense. “We started off man in the second quarter, and played with more intensity in the third.”

Webster added that Cameron Ball and the rest of the EA guards played well defensively.

Webster said the team fell a little short in the fourth period, and getting back to the free-throw line was priority in overtime. He added Watson’s free throws were big in the game.

EA’s Charlie Sasser and Justin Davis finished in double figures with 15 and 11 points, respectively. Luke Bell contributed with seven points.

The Cougars face Sparta Academy on the road on Dec. 30 before AISA Class 1A, Region 2 play begins in January.

Webster said right now, conditioning has gotten better.

“We’re starting to pick up a rhythm,” he said. “We’re starting to get the right combination of a rotation together. They’re starting to pick up the game and believe the game, and what we’re trying to do. It’s a growing effort.”