COMMERCE — It looked for all the world that Carthage was buried.

Trailing by as many as 24 points in the third quarter, most in the stands were just counting down the minutes.

But Carthage went on an impressive 18-0 run after that, pulling to within six points.

Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they couldn’t keep the momentum going in the fourth, dropping a 56-45 decision to Dallas Lincoln in their Class 4A Region II semifinal Friday night at Texas A&M-Commerce’s Field House.

Lincoln (26-8) will face district nemesis Dallas Carter (31-5) at noon Saturday for the regional championship.

Carthage finished its best basketball season in a quarter-century at 15-6.

Quinntez Grimes’ layup gave Lincoln a commanding 36-12 lead with 5:20 remaining in the third quarter.

De’Aundrey Bowman’s 3-pointer on the other end ignited a run of 18 consecutive points for Carthage.

Dewaylon Ingram’s shot from beyond the arc cut Lincoln’s advantage to 36-30 with 37 seconds to play in the period.

That was as close as Carthage got the rest of the way.

Consecutive baskets from Kennedy Milton pushed Lincoln’s lead to 46-34 with 4:13 to play in the third, and Carthage could not get closer than 10 points after that.

Anthony Nealon led Lincoln with 15 points, nine rebounds, and two steals. Meanwhile, Milton chipped in with 14 points, four boards, and four assists.

Carthage was led by Dewaylon Ingram, who finished with 14 points and five rebounds. Keaontay Ingram added 11 points and four boards.

Dallas Lincoln 56, Carthage 45

Class 4A Region II Semifinal
At Texas A&M-Commerce

Carthage                   4      6    20    15    --    45
Lincoln                    18    13      7    18    --    56
CARTHAGE -- Dewaylon Ingram, 14; Keaontay Ingram, 11; Dee Bowens, 7; Mekhi Colbert, 6; De'Aundrey Bowman, 3; Ahmad Brown, 2; Kai Horton, 2.
LINCOLN -- Anthony Nealon, 15; Kennedy Milton, 14; Brandon Cotton, 9; Ashton Baker, 4; Quinntez Grimes, 4; Lamarsay Austin, 3; Leonard Whitley, 3; Jonterrion Davis, 2; Camren Johnson, 2.
THREE-POINT GOALS -- Carthage: D. Ingram (2), Bowens, Bowman. Lincoln: Austin, Cotton, Whitley.

More From East Texas Sports Network