The Caldwell County Tiger basketball team led 11-0 early and took a 52-51 lead to the fourth quarter Thursday night. However, Union County stormed back in the final period to take a 71-61 decision at the CAB gym in Princeton.
The game featured five ties and four lead changes.
After falling behind early, the Braves (2-3) rallied back to tie things at 26-26 in the second quarter, then went on to take a 39-32 advantage at halftime.
Caldwell countered by erasing a nine-point deficit in the third quarter and going up 52-49 before taking the one-point lead to the fourth period.
Union went back in front midway through the fourth quarter.
Caldwell was still as close as 65-61 following a driving bucket from Zavy Bumphus, but Union scored the final six points of the night to get out of town with the 10-point triumph.
Izaiah Manuel had 32 points and 11 rebounds for the Braves. Kris Hughes added 13 points and Daishawn Curry had 12.
Caldwell got 18 points from Zavy Bumphus, 16 from Collin Whittington and 13 from Demaurius Thompson.
The Tigers will play again Saturday afternoon in the first round of the St. Mary Christmas Classic in Paducah. Caldwell will take on Fulton County at 4:00 at St. Mary.
The Tigers and the Pilots have never met on the basketball floor.
Caldwell will face either Ballard Memorial or Livingston Central in their second game in the event on Monday, depending on whether they win or lose against Fulton County.
The Tigers are guaranteed three games in the tournament, which will wrap up on Tuesday.
Union County 17 22 12 20 — 71
Caldwell County 22 10 20 9 — 61
Union County (2-3)—Manuel 32, Hughes 13, Curry 12, Hancock 5, Jones 5, Pollard 2, Wilson 2.
Caldwell County (1-6)—Bumphus 18, Whittington 16, Thompson 13, Englebright 6, Hammett 5, Rowland 3.
