The Lady Tigers were a long way from finished, however.
Dawson County stormed through the second half and dominated the final eight minutes of the game, holding the visiting Lady Bulldogs to five points en route to a 52-47 victory that moved the Lady Tigers into the state semifinals.
The thrilling finish provided a counter-point to a disappointing end for another area team on Tuesday, as the Buford girls fell behind St. Pius X early and never found their rhythm, eventually falling 56-43 at home.
Further north, the area's other remaining girls program kept on marching, as the Towns County girls battled past Claxton 45-43 in the Class A public bracket to clinch a semifinal berth.
Three area boys teams are also set to do battle in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, as Gainesville plays host to New Manchester in Class AAAAA, while North Hall and Buford also host games in the Class AAA third round.
The Trojans will take on St. Pius. The Wolves face Woodward Academy.
Check back later for complete stories on each contest.
TUESDAY'S STATE PLAYOFF RESULTS
Class AAA
Dawson County girls 52, Decatur 47
St. Pius X girls 56, Buford 43
Class A Public
Towns County girls 45, Claxton 43
WEDNESDAY'S BOYS GAMES
Class AAAAA
New Manchester at Gainesville, 7 p.m. -- Radio: WDUN AM 550/102.9 FM
Class AAA
St. Pius X at North Hall, 7 p.m.
Woodward Academy at Buford, 7 p.m.
Dawson County's Karlie Bearden dribbles in front of a cheering Dawson County student section, preparing to celebrate during the dying seconds of Tuesday's quarterfinal playoff win over Decatur in Dawsonville.
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