GREENSBORO &8212; The Greensboro Raiders played one of its better games of the season last night during the area tournament, as they eliminated the Francis Marion Rams, 66-57.

The Raiders had three players score in double figures. Ivory White scored a game high 24 points. Dontae Reaves contributed 13 points. DeMarquelle Tabb also had 13 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Edward Hinkle dropped in 23 points and Justin Johnson added 11 points for Francis Marion.

Greensboro started the game with two consecutive blocked shots by Tabb on the Rams&8217; first two possessions, as the Raiders pulled out to an 18-9 advantage after the first quarter.

Three-pointers by White and Reaves helped Greensboro to a double-digit lead, 25-9, in the first three minutes of the second quarter. The Raiders dropped into a zone defense, which made it tough for Francis Marion to penetrate and forced them into shooting from the perimeter. The Rams went into the locker room at halftime down 35-21. Ivory netted 12 after two quarters of play.

The Raiders continued to open things up as they built a 20-point lead late into the third quarter. They went into the final quarter with a 53-33 lead, which was too much for Francis Marion to overcome.

Greensboro will play in the area finals against Choctaw County, who upset top ranked Sumter County earlier.