Quanesha Burks goes for a layup against West Point Thursday night. | Brent Maze

Hartselle’s Lady Tigers outscored West Point 25-9 in the fourth quarter to win 51-39 and advance to the Class 5A, Area 15 tournament finals against Cullman Saturday.

With the win, Hartselle (16-11) automatically advances to the sub-regional round on Feb. 14.

Head coach Gary Orr said it took his team a while to get going offensively against the Lady Warriors, but he said the defense keyed the comeback in the fourth quarter.

“I think we stepped it up defensively, and that helped on the offensive end,” Orr said. “I think everyone really stepped it up tonight. Allie (Roden) came in and hit a big shot in the third quarter when we were struggling. Riley (Terry) made some big shots. Of course, Q (Quanesha Burks) stepped it up. (Melissa) Paul (Hill) played great. Alice Ann (Glasgow) also played well. Sarah Horner also played great defense.

“Everyone on the team made a contribution to this win,” Orr added.

Trailing 30-26 at the end of the third quarter, Hartselle went on a 7-0 run, capped off by Riley Terry’s 3-pointer, to take a 33-31 lead.

After West Point tied it up on a pair of free throws, the Lady Tigers scored eight unanswered to take a 41-33 lead with less than two minutes left in the game. Melissa Paul Hill, Quanesha Burks and Alice Ann Glasgow scored baskets in that run.

From there, the Lady Tigers were able to put the game away at the free throw line.

Burks led the team with 19 points followed by Glasgow with eight, Terry with seven, Hill with six, Sarah Horner with four and Shaneal Johnson and Roden with three apiece.

Orr said he expects a tough matchup in the championship.

“Both teams (Cullman and East Limestone) are good,” Orr said. “We’re going to have a tough matchup coming up next.”