EMERSON – For the second straight day, the third time wasn’t the charm for Strong, as Bradley topped the Bulldogs 68-39 in the third-place game at the 4-1A Regional Tournament on Saturday.
The Bulldogs (8-8), who entered the regional tournament as the 8-1A’s No. 3 seed, will head to the state tournament as the 4-1A’s No. 4 seed.
Strong will play in the opening round of the 1A State Tournament Tuesday at 7 against either Viola or West Side Greers Ferry, who will collide Saturday night for the 2-1A regional crown.
After clinching a spot in the state tournament with a win over Blevins, Strong fell to 8-1A foes Nevada and Bradley for the third time this season on consecutive days to finish as the No. 4 seed.
Byron Maze, who sealed Strong’s win on Thursday with a putback in the final seconds, had a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds along with two assists for the Bulldogs.
Emauri Newton led Strong with 15 points. He also had four rebounds and three assists.