Much of the season has been a struggle for Caldwell County, but the Tigers have been playing better the last week, even if it didn’t always show up in the win column.
The Tigers finally broke through Thursday night to end a six-game skid, picking up a 70-63 decision at Crittenden County.
Caldwell led by as much as 14 points in the first half before Crittenden rallied to go in front 58-56 on two free throws by Travis Champion with 3:23 to play.
The Tigers (5-18) countered with a bucket inside from Collin Whittington to knot the game. A big 3-pointer from the corner by Demaurius Thompson then put Caldwell back in front 61-58 with 2:39 remaining.
The Tigers would never trail again, although Crittenden missed a 3-pointer that would have tied the game with 30 seconds to go.
Instead, Zavy Bumphus made three of four free throws to make it a 68-63 game, then Jaydarius Wilson added two more charity tosses with just 0:00.2 seconds left to put the finishing touches on the triumph.
Wilson finished the night with 21 points and 13 rebounds. He was nine of 15 from the floor and made all three of his free throw attempts.
Bumphus tallied 15 points for Caldwell while Thompson had 13.
Travis Champion led all scorers with 34 for Crittenden (11-14). Preston Morgeson added 24 points.
Caldwell got off to a hot start in the contest, rolling to a 16-6 advantage after 8 minutes.
The Tigers led 22-8 before the Rockets rallied to get within 29-27 at halftime.
Caldwell rebuilt an eight-point edge, 48-40, late in the third quarter. But again Crittenden came back, tying the game at 56-56 on two Morgeson free throws before briefly going in front.
However, Caldwell outscored the Rockets 14-5 down the stretch to pull out the seven-point decision.
Crittenden won 63-44 when the teams met up in the 2nd Region All A Classic in Princeton last month.
Caldwell had taken seven of the last eight meetings from the Rockets. The Tigers lead the all-time series 99-46.
The Tigers will host Webster County on Friday.
Caldwell County 16 13 21 20 — 70
Crittenden County 6 21 19 17 — 63
Caldwell County (5-18)—Wilson 21, Bumphus 15, Thompson 13, Roach 8, Co. Whittington 7, Ca. Whittington 6.
Crittenden County (11-14)—Champion 34, Morgeson 24, Keller 2, Guess 2, Gobin 1.
