For one of the few times this season, a team tried to force an up-tempo pace on the Vicksburg Gators. The Natchez plan did not work out too well as the Gators put four starters into double figures by the third quarter in an 81-51 rout Tuesday night.

Vicksburg’s bench got to see some extended time playing all of the fourth quarter. Six reserves scored, including the football team’s massive offensive tackle Norman Price, who scored a career-best six points in the final two minutes.

Gators coach Dellie C. Robinson was glad to see the bench maintain the advantage.

“Any time you can let your bench guys play a whole quarter, I’m happy about it,” Robinson said. “Those guys come to practice every day and it’s great they can get to play. I thought they played real well. (Cameron) Cooksey hit a 3-pointer and big Norman got to score some.”

It was the work of Vicksburg’s starting five that made it possible for the reserves to enjoy their time.

The Gators (19-3) came out and hit 11 of their first 16 shots in the opening quarter. All five players scored, led by Willie Gibbs, who drained three 3-pointers while Mychal Ammons had eight points.

When there were misses, Kienta Ross and Josh Gaskin finished them via putbacks.

“We came out strong,” Robinson said. “Pancho (Gibbs) hit some threes and Mike dominated inside. When we have that, we’re good.”

Down 29-5, Natchez (5-11) went to a full-court press and got their offense going. The Bulldogs scored the first seven points of the second quarter to pull within 17 at 29-12. The Gators made an adjustment to their press offense and led 43-24 at the half.

“This is the first team to really press us and it allowed us to run,” Robinson said.

That’s what the Gators did in the second half. Ammons had four baskets, all dunks. His two-handed slam, followed by a one-hander and another, off a backdoor feed from Ross, put the Gators up 54-27 with 4:27 left in the third quarter.

“We wanted to run,” Ammons said. “I feel like I had an off night, but it was good to see the other guys score.”

Ammons had 18 points but only four rebounds. Gibbs had 15 points, all in the first half. Ross had 13 points, six rebounds and four assists. Gaskin had 10 points and six boards.

The two Vicksburg point guards, Dominique Brown and Rashad Gaines, combined for 11 assists.

Darren Johnson led Natchez with 17 points.