Photo by Chris Drummond Tiger forward Andrew Elton shoots a free throw early in the second half of Saturday night’s home loss against the Mankato West Scarlets in Marshall.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Tigers boys basketball team fell short in their comeback effort against the Mankato West Scarlets 56-53 on Saturday evening.

The Tigers and Scarlets came out and battled to a draw in the first nine minutes of the opening half. The Scarlets would then close the half on an 18-4 run, giving them a 13-point lead into halftime, 32-19, over the Tigers.

Andrew Elton led the Tigers with 11 points in the opening half. He finished with a double-double, a team-high 17 points, and 11 rebounds

Then the game got interesting.

Coming out for the second half, the Tigers would score the first 8 points, slicing the lead to 5, and forcing the Scarlets to take a timeout.

The Tigers continued to battle back behind Omar Abdi–who scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half–to keep the Tigers close.

The Tigers closed within 2 points by implementing a press defense that would force multiple turnovers from the Scarlets.

The Tigers had two opportunities to tie, but Alex Franson stepped out of bounds with 25 seconds remaining. Then, the Tigers had to foul.

The Scarlets missed a free throw and the Tigers got the rebound. They would advance the ball past half-court and call a timeout with 11 seconds left, trailing 55-53.

Abdi received the ball and made a move into the lane, but his shot went off the backboard and missed. The Scarlets got the rebound and, with one second left, the Tigers would foul.

The Scarlets made the first free throw and missed the second, but time ran out on the game for the Tigers.

Salman Osman had 12 points in the loss. Abdi also had seven rebounds in the contest.

The Marshall Tigers boys basketball team will return to action when they host the Fairmont Cardinals Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.