There was an electrifying atmosphere in the Ford E. Phillips Gymnasium Jan. 31 as the Buford Wolves traveled to Dawson County to face the Tigers.

Buford, undefeated in Region 7-AAA, faced a fired up student section and a feisty Tiger team.

It was an inspired Dawson County team that took a quick 21-16 lead at halftime behind the play of Cameron Millholland and Sam Muenchen.

Millholland finished the game with 18 points to lead the Tigers. Muenchen scored 11 points.

Dawson County continued to play their tempo in the third quarter and maintained a slim 38-36 advantage.

Buford's University of Connecticut signee Rakim Lubin came alive in the fourth quarter and took charge of the game.

Lubin scored 15 straight points, and 19 total points, in the quarter to lead Buford to a close 57-55 win.

Lubin had a game-high 29 points and 16 rebounds in the win.

Buford player, D'Marcus Simonds also contributed with 13 points, 10 assists and five rebounds.

With the win, Buford moved to 17-5 overall and 11-0 in region play.

"It was the same atmosphere as the game two years ago when we beat them. The tempo was perfect. We just did not have an answer for their 6'9" kid. We just do not have the size to stop that," said Dawson County Head Coach Thad Burgess.

"I was very pleased that we could compete with them and had a chance to win the game. I hope we can finish these last three games playing with the same type of intensity. If we do, we have a chance," Burgess said.

The coach added that the next few games are very important for the Tigers.

"This is a big weekend with a game against a very tough West Hall team on Friday, who has won 10 of their last 12 games. This should be a challenge for us," Burgess said.

Game time for the West Hall game will be 8:30 p.m. at Dawson County High School.

On Saturday, the team will host Banks County. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Dawson County is currently 16-6 overall and 7-4 in region play. The Tigers are currently in third place behind Buford and East Hall in the region.