DOUGLASVILLE, GA – For three quarters, Douglas County looked out of it.

Then the Tigers made a needed defensive switch in the fourth quarter, which not only changed the dynamic of the game it helped secure a victory. Douglas County forced consecutive turnovers and scored some easy baskets for an 83-76 win over county-rival Alexander on Tuesday night.

“They had us for three quarters,” said Tigers coach Bethea Hollis, who was celebrating a birthday. “When we switched defenses it affected them greatly. They had a few crucial turnovers.”

Douglas County (6-1) went from Hollis’ trademark man-to-man defense to a 2-3 zone. The switch paid off instant results. Alexander coughed up the ball on four consecutive possessions. Those turnovers turned into transition points for the Tigers on the other end or trips to the free throw line.

Alexander’s lead to start the fourth quarter went from three to it trailing 63-58. The Cougars did not score a field goal to the start the final period and struggled the rest of the way in trying to attack the zone.

“It was a great move on their part,” Cougars coach Jason Slate said. “We acted like we didn’t know how to attack one.”

Alexander’s lack of discipline led to many of those turnovers because prior to that fourth quarter switch, nothing Douglas County was doing defensively worked. Artavious Love took advantage of the Cougars ability to slip around the Tigers defense.

Love knocked down shots, played well in transition and really helped set the tone for three quarters. He finished with a team-high 21 points. Mikell Lands-Davis contributed with 17 points, while Gardner Webb signee Hassani Gravett finished with 15.

The trio looked like they were in full control of the game until the fourth. The duo of Brandon Robinson and Justin Bridges took over the game late.

Bridges raced into the open court for easy baskets. His activity was an issue for the Cougars defense. He finished with 24 points. Robinson attacked the basket and got to the free throw line just about every time he touched the basketball. The sophomore guard had 22 points, six assists and five rebounds. Malik Musgrove finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

“Those are two good players,” said Slate of Robinson and Bridges. “They stepped it up.”

These two teams will meet again in late February. One thing is certain, both teams will look completely different and there will not be any surprises.