YourSportsEdge File Photo
A slow start Friday afternoon ended up costing the Hopkinsville Tigers as they dropped their third game in as many days at the Next Level Hoops Classic. The Tigers were upended by the host school, Christ Presbyterian Academy in the 7th place contest 60-48.
CPA jumped out to a 16-7 lead after the first quarter. The Tigers, who were hampered by cold shooting Thursday, were cold again at the start Friday. Hopkinsville connected on only 21.4-percent of its shots in the first quarter. Meanwhile, CPA was a good bit warmer, connecting on 6 of 11 from the field.
Hopkinsville warmed up significantly in the second quarter, shooting 50-percent from the field. Still, Christ Presbyterian was able to do enough offensively to extend the lead. CPA outscored the Tigers 18-12 to take a 34-19 lead at the half.
The Tigers tried to fight their way back into the contest in the second half. The Hopkinsville defense limited CPA to 3 field goals in the third quarter, as the Tigers cut the lead to 45-33. However, the Tigers cold shooting returned in the 4th quarter, and CPA knocked down 12 of 17 at the free throw line to seal the win.
Alijah Watts led the way for Hopkinsville with 15 points. Jacarius Burks added 8 points. Jalen Johnson was held scoreless and played only 8 minutes in the contest for Hopkinsville. CPA was led by Matt Dial with 16 points.
Hopkinsville now falls to 4-8 on the season. The Tigers return to action Tuesday night, as they hit the road to take on Madisonville.
