FLOWOOD — After falling behind for the first time all night, the Porters Chapel Eagles were finally close enough to losing to see their season slipping away. With one last, great push they grabbed a lifeline and lived to fight another day.

The Eagles outscored Sylva-Bay 9-0 in the final minute Thursday — after wasting all of an early 15-point cushion — and won 52-44 in the first round of the MAIS Class A South Central tournament at University Christian.

The victory sends PCA into the second round tonight at 6 against Wayne Academy, and it also clinched a spot in next week’s Class A tournament at Benton Academy. It’s the first time PCA has reached the state tournament since 2005-06, and just the second time in 15 years.

“It feels great. I hadn’t done it before,” said PCA guard Matthew Warren, a three-year starter who scored nine points against Sylva-Bay. “It’s going to be a tough road, but I think we can do good as long as we trust each other.”

The Eagles face a tough road in this tournament, too. Because their opener was delayed a day by wintry weather, they’ll have to win three games in three days to hoist the trophy. Win or lose tonight, they’ll still play a consolation game on Saturday to determine seeding in the state tournament.