The Vicksburg Gators’ favorable road to Jackson took a permanent detour in Clarksdale.

Vicksburg fell behind early, but closed a 16-point deficit to two in the fourth quarter. The comeback fell short, however, and it suffered a season-ending 56-51 loss to Clarksdale in the second round of the MHSAA Class 5A boys basketball state tournament.

Vicksburg (19-10) lost for the fourth time in six games as a promising season disappeared into thin air. The Gators appeared to have an easy path to the quarterfinals in Jackson by drawing Clarksdale (10-13). It was the second game in the first two rounds of the tournament against a sub.-500 team.

A slow start allowed the Wildcats to gain traction, however, and they won their fifth consecutive game to continue their Cinderella run. Clarksdale will play Brookhaven in the quarterfinals on March 3 at 9 a.m.
Brookhaven eliminated Hattiesburg on Saturday, 78-62, in another second-round game.

Among the other teams advancing in the Class 5A boys tournament on Saturday were Neshoba Central, Provine, Laurel and Oxford.

Neshoba Central will play Provine in the quarterfinals. Laurel will play New Hope or Holmes County Central, and Oxford will face Gautier or Wayne County.

The Class 5A semifinals are March 7, and the championship game is March 10 at the Mississippi Coliseum.