Senior Collin Whittington
For the third straight game, Caldwell County took a lead to halftime, only to see it go away in the second half.
But this time, there would be a happy ending for the Tigers.
After a back-and-forth fourth quarter against Graves County Saturday afternoon, Collin Whittington won it for the Tigers when his 30-footer at the buzzer found the bottom of the net.
That lifted Caldwell to a 50-47 victory at the CAB gym in Princeton.
The triumph guarantees the Tigers a winning season — and kept the Eagles from getting their 20th win of the year.
Two free throws by Demaurius Thompson had given Caldwell a 47-44 lead with just 15 seconds left in the game.
But Lukas Pigg came up with a big play at the other end for Graves, scoring on a drive down the lane and drawing a foul with just 6.4 seconds to play.
Following a timeout, Pigg drained the free throw to finish the three-point trip and knot the game at 47-47.
Graves (19-9) did a good job of keeping Caldwell from pushing the ball up the court on the ensuing possession. But Carter Whittington found his younger brother on a cross-court pass.
Collin Whittington twice had to pump fake to avoid defenders, but got off his shot just ahead of the final buzzer. His 3-pointer sent the Tigers streaming onto the court in celebration, and help Caldwell avenge a setback earlier this season to the Eagles.
The Tigers had lost at Graves 68-45 two months ago.
Jaydarius Wilson had 14 points and 13 rebounds to lead a balanced scoring effort by Caldwell. He made two free throws with 1:37 to go to break a 41-41 deadlock.
Thompson ended the game with 12 points. Luke Parker hit some big shots down the stretch and had 11 points and seven rebounds. Collin Whittington also had 11 points.
Pigg and Taytum Holland each had 12 points to pace Graves.
Caldwell led 15-13 after one quarter and 22-20 at the break. But the Eagles came back to grab a 36-34 lead through three quarters.
Now 16-11, Caldwell will finish the regular season next week with three games. The Tigers will host Union County on Tuesday before going to Paducah Tilghman on Thursday. Livingston Central will visit the CAB gym on Friday for a Senior Night girls and boys doubleheader.
Graves County 13 7 16 11 — 47
Caldwell County 15 7 12 16 — 50
Graves County (19-9)—Pigg 12, Holland 12, Veucasovic 9, Waller 5, Cavette 4, Hughes 3, Tubbs 2.
Caldwell County (16-11)—J. Wilson 14, Thompson 12, Parker 11, Co. Whittington 11, Ca. Whittington 2.
