Dawson Springs did it to Fort Campbell again.
For the second time in a week, the Panthers pulled out a close game with the Falcons — this time in the St. Mary Christmas Classic in Paducah.
Mongomery Johnston scored 15 points, Jaydon Plunkette had 14 and Rex Blue added 11 as Dawson Springs topped Fort Campbell 49-43 Monday afternoon in a consolation round game in the event.
Fort Campbell (2-7) scored the first six points of the game and led 11-7 after one quarter.
Dawson (4-7) caught the Falcons in the second quarter and edged ahead 19-16 at the break.
Fort Campbell went back up in the third period, erasing a 26-21 deficit to take a 33-32 advantage to the final frame.
But the Panthers controlled things in the fourth quarter.
A driving layup by Johnston put Dawson up 35-33, then a 3-pointer by Plunkette gave the Panthers a 38-33 lead with 5:11 to play.
Dawson never trailed again, but couldn’t nail down the victory until inside the final minute.
Three-pointers by Aidan Blaszkowski and Daniel Castro had the Falcons within 42-41 with 1:49 remaining.
But Dawson scored the next seven points — five of them at the foul stripe — to finally subdue the Falcons.
Both teams struggled from the floor in the early contest. Dawson was 17 of 47 while Fort Campbell made 15 of 49 attempts.
The Panthers held a 34-32 advantage on the boards.
Blaszkowski led all scorers in the contest with 21 points but was the only Falcon to score in double figures. Maurice Moore had 11 rebounds to go with six points.
Plunkette was selected the Game MVP by the St. Mary Christmas Classic.
Last Tuesday, the Panthers claimed a 59-53 triumph over Fort Campbell in Dawson Springs.
Both the Falcons and the Panthers will play again Tuesday in the St. Mary holiday tournament.
Dawson Springs 7 12 13 17 — 49
Fort Campbell 11 5 17 10 — 43
Dawson Springs (4-7)—Johnston 15, Plunkette 14, Blue 11, Fain 6, Thomas 3.
Fort Campbell (2-7)—Blaszkowski 21, Tate 7, Castro 6, Moore 6, Smiley 3.
