The Caldwell County Tigers have their first win of the basketball season — a 58-57 decision Monday night at Livingston Central.
The Tigers, who had dropped their first five games of the season, took the lead in the second quarter and held the upper hand for much of the rest of the night.
A 25-23 edge at halftime developed into a double-digit lead in the third quarter. Caldwell took its biggest lead of the night at 44-32 following a driving bucket from Zavy Bumphus late in the third quarter.
It was 46-36 through three quarters, and Caldwell still led by 10, 48-38, with 7 minutes to go.
But the host Cardinals rallied to tie the game twice late — the last at 57-57 on a short shot in the lane from Avery Zaim with 15 seconds to go.
But Bumphus drew a foul at the other end and hit one of two free throws with 6.7 seconds remaining to put Caldwell back up 58-57.
Livingston then missed on a last-second attempt from in close and Bumphus grabbed the rebound to secure the Tiger victory.
Bumphus finished with 21 points and nine rebounds for the Tigers. He was 15 of 19 at the free throw stripe.
Demaurius Thompson added 19 points, with 13 of those coming in the second half.
Logan Wring poured in 26 points for Livingston, which is now 3-5. Fourteen of those points came in the fourth quarter to spearhead the Cardinals’ comeback bid.
Drew Hosick had 12 points for Livingston.
The Tigers played the game without starting point Carter Whittington, who continues to be out with a foot injury. In addition, JayDarius Wilson left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury and did not return.
Caldwell has now taken six straight from the Cardinals and 11 of the last 12 get-togethers. The Tigers lead the all-time series 73-51.
Caldwell’s guys will play again on Thursday when they entertain Union County at the CAB gym in Princeton.
Caldwell County 10 15 21 12 — 58
Livingston Central 10 13 13 21 — 57
Caldwell County (1-5)—Bumphus 21, Thompson 19, Englebright 6, Whittington 5, Rowland 4, Wilson 3.
Livingston Central (3-5)—Wring 26, Hosick 12, Zaim 6, Orr 4, Turney 3, Render 2, Ferrell 2, Davidson 2.
