Hartselle overcame a cold start to defeat West Point in overtime 69-68.

The Tigers (2-5, 1-1) fell behind 19-8 in the first quarter, but chipped away before they finally caught West Point in the fourth quarter.

In the overtime period, Hartselle got control of the game and was able to salt the game away at the free throw line despite a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer that only cut the advantage to one point.

“I was pleased that we came out and played a lot better than we did against Decatur,” said Hartselle coach Keith Wright. “We actually fell behind by 14 points twice tonight. Even though we got down, we still fought back and started to play better. That’s all you can ask is that your team improves and continues to fight hard.”

The Tigers were able to do this in spite of having a couple of players out with an injury.

“We didn’t actually have a senior on the floor at the end of the game,” Wright said. “We’re a really young team, but we have a chance to be successful. We’re just having to go through some growing pains.

The how for most of the game came from Jamal Jackson. He led the team with 20 points including five 3-pointers.

Tobias Mitchell also had 14 points including a key free throw with seven seconds to play that have Hartselle a four-point advantage.

Dolan Golden also had 11 points while Casen Wallace finished with 10. Jaylen Jackson also added eight points followed by Phillip Summerford with four and Luke Southerland with two.

The Tigers followed up their win with a close loss to East Limestone on the road.

The Tigers will look to get back in the win column with Friday’s home game against Cullman. Tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Jamal Jackson shoots a lay-up in a recent home game. Jackson had 20 to lead Hartselle against West Point.