The third time was the charm for Livingston Central’s girls, who figured out Caldwell County after dropping a pair of games to the Lady Tigers earlier this season.
Sophomore Victoria Joiner scored 26 points for the Lady Cardinals, who pulled away late, turning what had been a tight game into a 63-52 victory.
The teams battled to a 26-26 deadlock at halftime. Neither side led by more than three points in the first 16 minutes and the game was tied 12 times in the first half alone.
But Livingston (11-17) edged ahead 44-40 through three quarters, then extended the margin to double figures midway through the fourth period.
Caldwell (9-20) crept back to within four points twice late — the final time at 56-52 following a floater in the lane by Tink Clark with 1:58 to play.
But Livingston put the game away at the free throw line to end a six-game skid.
Aubrey Leahy added 11 points for Livingston while Emersyn Ramage had nine.
Caldwell had four players score in double figures in the setback. A.J. Hollowell had 13 and Clark 11, while Med Thomas and Presley McKinney each had 10.
The Lady Tigers had taken the last four meetings and 10 of the last 11 against Livingston before Friday’s matchup.
Caldwell still leads the all-time series 74-24.
The Lady Tigers will next face Madisonville-North Hopkins in the 7th District tournament Monday night in Mortons Gap.
The Lady Cardinals will host Trigg County in the 5th District tourney on Monday.
Livingston Central 12 14 18 17 — 63
Caldwell County 12 14 14 12 — 52
Livingston Central (11-17)—Joiner 26, A. Leahy 11, Ramage 9, T. Leahy 7, Holman 6, Downey 4.
Caldwell County (9-20)—Hollowell 13, Clark 11, Thomas 10, McKinney 10, Sykes 6, Copeland 2.
