Caldwell County’s season opener against Webster County had plenty of thrills and spills.
It just didn’t end up with a win for the Tigers.
Webster’s Evan Michalek pumped in 28 points and his Trojans got out of the CAB gym with a 68-65 overtime triumph in both teams’ regular-season openers Tuesday night.
It was a game that saw Caldwell lead by nine points in the second quarter, but trail by 10 in the fourth period.
Down 48-38, the Tigers put together their best run of the night, outscoring Webster 18-5 over a 6-and-a-half minute stretch.
A 3-pointer by Collin Whittington at the 2:12 mark pushed Caldwell back in front 54-53. A bucket from inside by Demaurius Thompson put the Tigers up three with 1:18 to play.
But Webster rallied in the final minute. With Caldwell up 56-55, the Tigers caught a break when the Trojans missed at the free throw. However, Malakai Orcutt wrestled the rebound away for Webster and got the ball to Micah Austin, who buried a short jumper to give the Trojans the lead again, 57-56, with 22 seconds to play.
After a Caldwell turnover, Jarvis Starks Scott hit two free throws to make it a three-point game with 14 seconds left.
Yet another Tiger turnover gave Webster a chance to seal, but two missed free throws at the 0:10 mark left the door open.
Thompson took advantage by knocking home an off-balance 3-pointer with just 3 seconds left in regulation to knot the game at 59-59.
Webster just missed winning at the buzzer when Austin’s shot from beyond three-quarter court hit off the back of the rim.
In the extra period, Michalek buried a 3 to put Webster in front and the Trojans never trailed.
However, Webster missed just enough free throws to keep Caldwell’s hopes alive again.
Up 68-65 with just 10 seconds remaining, the Trojans missed twice at the stripe, giving Caldwell one final chance. However, Jaydarius Wilson’s 3-pointer in the closing seconds would not go down as Webster held on.
It was one of the few misses of the night for Wilson, who finished with 22 points, 20 rebounds and four blocked shots.
Thompson added 16 points for the Tigers while Carter Whittington had 13 and Collin Whittington 10.
Scott had 16 for Webster while Orcutt added 11.
Caldwell finished the night with 25 turnovers — many of them coming at crucial times late. Webster made 18 miscues of its own.
The Trojans have now taken nine of the last 10 meetings with Caldwell. Webster leads the all-time series 46-25.
Caldwell will go to Fort Campbell on Thursday while Webster visits Dawson Springs that night.
Webster County 9 17 21 13 9 — 68
Caldwell County 12 13 13 21 6 — 65
Webster County (1-0)—Michalek 28, Scott 16, Orcutt 11, Garrard 6, Austin 5, McDyer 2, Hardison 2.
Caldwell County (0-1)—Wilson 22, Thompson 16, Ca. Whittington 13, Co. Whittington 10, Parker 2, Roach 2.
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Is DeShawn Murphy injured?