Billingsley on Thursday looked like anything but a team working on only two days of practice, winning easily at Verbena, 73-26.

Many of the Bears (1-0) were playing in the second round of the Class 1A state football playoffs at Linden one week ago, leaving the squad with little time to prepare for its season opener.

But 16 points from Jay Tyus, 15 from Perry Brown and a tenacious defensive effort made sure any rustiness wouldn’t matter on this night.

Marshall McGaskin had 11 points to lead the Red Devils (0-4), who could never recover from a 12-0 Billingsley run to begin the game.

Brandon White contributed eight points for Verbena.

Bryant Reese chipped in 11 points for Billingsley, and Raphael Brooks was good for eight points.

Billingsley girls 59, Verbena 43

The hosts outscored Billingsley 19-9 in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late, and Billingsley won, 59-43.

The Bears (1-0) built a 50-24 lead by the end of the third quarter and held on as the Red Devils (0-4) made a run behind Marquisha Deramus and her 22 points.

Wendy Raines led Billingsley with 12 points, and Brittany Brown had 11 points.

Billingsley visits Autaugaville beginning at 5 p.m. today, and Verbena next visits Thorsby beginning at 5 p.m. on Nov. 24.