COLUMBUS, Ga. — The Citizens Cristian Academy boys and girls basketball teams both fell short in the GIAA postseason Saturday, with the boys finishing runner-up after a fourth-quarter collapse and the girls dropping a 51-39 decision to Memorial Day.

Boys: First Prep outscores CCA 26-6 in the fourth

The Patriots entered the third quarter with a two-point lead, but Gray McClain kept CCA in front with nine points in the period, including a short jumper in the lane and a three-pointer from the corner. First Prep responded with a three from the corner to take a 45-39 lead, and Blake Bryant added a Eurostep bucket.

From that point, defensive pressure from First Prep caused problems for CCA. First Prep outscored the Patriots 26-6 in the fourth quarter to close out the game.

CCA head coach Jared Roberts said a defensive adjustment late in the game did not go as planned.

“Biggest thing, honestly, was I tried to make a defensive adjustment. We just weren’t comfortable with it,” Roberts said. “Gave up a few layups. And they were hitting shots. And then we started pressing on ourselves a little bit. Put a little extra pressure on ourselves. And trying to make heroic plays instead of just a good, solid play.”

Roberts said the team dealt with adversity throughout the season.

“My guys have been great all year. We’ve had to overcome a lot of injuries and stuff,” Roberts said. “Today just wasn’t our day.”

Girls: Lady Pats fall to Memorial Day 51-39

Coming off a double-overtime win in the semifinals, the CCA girls trailed early before junior Arabelle Roberts worked inside for a layup to cut the deficit to seven. Arlie Vickers knocked down a three-ball to keep the Patriots close. Roberts finished with 14 points, including eight in the first half.

CCA trailed by 13 in the second half. Bleu Carter hit a triple, and senior Abrah Harris put up 13 points in the second half, but it was not enough. Memorial Day won 51-39.

Coach Jared Roberts cited turnovers, offensive rebounds allowed, and missed shots around the rim as factors in the loss.

“Our shots. We had a few turnovers. They’re getting a bunch of offensive rebounds. Always makes it tough,” Roberts said. “We weren’t getting some easy buckets. We had a few around the rim that we rushed. It was a long team. They blocked shots. And we got some of them just went in and out. Just little things there.”

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