FRANKLIN—Ladarius Mason and Charles Bryant combined for 16, fourth-quarter points to lead No. 2-ranked Sussex to a 72-66 Tri-Rivers District win over Franklin on Tuesday.

“Our defense was excellent all night, but we are still missing open shots,” said Franklin Coach Danny Dillon. “To beat a team that has so many great players and starts five seniors, you have to play perfect to beat them.”

The teams were tied 14-14 at the end of the first quarter, with Franklin’s Corey Porter scoring seven points during the timeframe.

Bryant, who is expected to be named the district’s player of the year, scored eight points in the second quarter to help Sussex take a 28-26 halftime lead.

The Broncos had seven players score in the third quarter, which ended with Franklin trailing 50-45. Franklin cut the lead down several times, but could never get over the hump.

“We are a smaller, younger, less experienced team this year than anyone we’ve played, and yet we are in the games,” Dillon said. “We had eight players with four or more points tonight. Loosing these close ones hurts, but the future is very bright.”

Bryant led all scores with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Mason poured in 16 while Trayvona Wooden added 12.

Top scorers for Franklin were Marcus Stephens with 17. Kyle Smith, who was named player of the game by WLQM, scored 10 points and Corey Porter added 10.