A big night for Josh English helped the Victory Life Academy Eagles trap the Tupelo Tigers 72-61 on Tuesday.

English scored 31 points, including 8-for-11 shooting at the free throw line. Ethan Hollowell and Chase Stampley added 15 each, and Zach hestily scored five. Austin waterman scored two and Conner Harrison added a free throw.

Tupelo took an early 10-9 lead before the Eagles clawed back and held a 28-25 edge at halftime. Victory Life outscored the Tigers 44-36 in the second half.

The Eagles will cruise into the district playoffs with a game against Milburn on Friday in Bennington at 8 p.m. The winner will play Bennington at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Tupelo girls 54 VLA 36

The Lady Tigers started hot on an 11-2 streak and never looked back in a 54-36 road win over the Lady Eagles on Tuesday.

Victory Life Academy bounced back with a 19-point third quarter, and outscored Tupelo 30-22 in the second half.

Amy and Sarah Roesler each scored nine for VLA. Amber Bruce, Macie Bufkin and Sierra Kinnamon had five apiece for the home Lady Eagles.

Victory Life Academy girls have earned an automatic trip to the Class B regional playoffs. They will play the winner of the Bennington-Milburn game at 8 p.m. Saturday in Bennington for the district championship.

Both teams from the Saturday final, including VLA, will play in the regional bracket in Wapanucka on Feb. 14.

(Game information provided by VLA coaching staff.)