TULLAHOMA — A sluggish second quarter ultimately proved to be the difference for the Community Viqueens in a 43-40 loss to Franklin County in the Tullahoma Classic on Tuesday afternoon.
The Rebelettes went on an 11-4 romp through the second period and withstood a second-half Viqueen surge to escape with the three-point win.
The two teams were evenly-matched through the first period, leaving the score deadlocked at 12 apiece following the first eight minutes.
Community’s only second-quarter points came courtesy of M.J. Simmons, who banked a two-point basket and a pair of free throws.
Meanwhile, Franklin County charged ahead on an 11-point romp with four different players scoring in the quarter.
Still, the Rebelettes held just a seven-point lead at the half.
In the third quarter, Community flipped the script and it was the Viqueens who were able to orchestrate a run by getting to the free throw line and cashing in on those chances.
During the third quarter alone, the Purple and Gold made good on 5-of-6 free throw attempts and by the start of the fourth quarter, Community had cut the Franklin County advantage to just one point.
Community continued to hang its hat on the efforts of M.J. Simmons, who added another seven points to the cause in the fourth quarter, but in the end, Franklin County had just a little more in the thank and held on for the three-point victory.
Simmons’ 19-point effort led all scorers, while Breanna Whitaker also hit double figures and added 10.
Destiny Russell led Franklin County  with 16 points.
Community also proved to be an efficient 10-of-12 free throw attempts.
Community will get the remainder of the week off before returning to action next week in the AFLAC Christmas Shootout, hosted by Watertown High School.
The Viqueens will take on DeKalb County on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Franklin Co. 12 11    7  13 — 43
Community 12   4  13  11 — 40

Franklin Co.: Destiny Russell 16, Katie Walker 9, Lucy Barnes 9, Danica Stovall 5, Daryn Morris 2.
Community: M.J. Simmons 19, Breanna Whitaker 10, Shelby Cawthon 6, Addison Brothers 5.
3-Point goals: Community (2): Brothers, Simmons.
Halftime score: Franklin Co. 23, Community 16.