FARMVILLE—Down by 17 in the first quarter, the Southampton Academy boys cut Fuqua’s lead to one with 90 seconds left before losing 72-68 on Tuesday.

SA junior Tonee Hill’s career-high 34 points fueled the comeback during the Virginia Commonwealth Conference game.

“Fuqua’s a very good team,” said Raider Coach Jim Tribbett. “When we played them about a month ago, they handled us pretty handedly. We really played the game the right way (this time).”

Tribbett noted the Raiders are at their healthiest for the season.

“We had two with mono, one with an ankle (injury), and the flu bug was going through the whole county,” he said. “The guys have been very good about persevering.”

Junior Cam Hines scored 14 points and sophomore transfer Russell Ballance added 8.

SA improved to 7-6 overall and 2-5 in the VCC, and will host a non-conference game against Greenbriar Christian at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18.