Conroe had The Woodlands on the ropes but couldn’t deliver the knockout punch.

The Highlanders recovered with a smothering defensive effort in the second half, turning back the upset-minded Tigers 52-46.

The Woodlands (20-7, 6-1 in District 14-5A) outscored Conroe 17-6 in the fourth quarter and didn’t allow a single point in the final two minutes, 29 seconds.

“Our guys did a great job of attacking the basket,” The Woodlands coach Dale Reed said, “so we could get to the free-throw line.”

Conroe (9-16, 1-6), saddled by several players in foul trouble in the fourth quarter, led for nearly the entire game. The score was tied at 46 with about 1:20 remaining when Aaron Kovach and Shane Moran double-teamed the Tigers’ Stedman Bell near mid-court and forced a crucial turnover.