Second half rally by Excel Christian comes up short at Mount Paran

The Excel Christian Academy boys lost a Region 7-A game at Mount Paran Christian Tuesday night in Kennesaw, 50-39.

The Eagles led after one quarter, 17-15, but got into first half foul trouble and went to the intermission trailing 33-23.

Mount Paran extended its lead to as much as 44-29 in the second half, but ECA fought back to narrow the deficit to 44-39 in the final minutes. Mount Paran was able to close out the win down the stretch by converting at the free throw line. Elijah Payne led Excel with 11 points. Blake Bailey scored nine. Rashard Doyal and Jakaden Barkley finished with seven points each for the Eagles.

Excel (8-13, 1-7) will entertain Atlanta Jewish Academy Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Aubrey Street Lower Gym and will close out the season Friday with a home game against Mount Paran on the Church at Liberty Square campus.