Christian County’s girls whittled an 18-point second-half deficit down to 45-40 with still 3:41 to play.
But in the end McCracken County held on for a 53-40 victory Saturday night in the 2024 Holiday Hoopla Classic in West Paducah.
Ne’Vaeh Day buried two free throws to get the Lady Colonels within five points late.
However, Christian failed to score again as the host Lady Mustangs finished the game with an 8-0 run.
The Lady Colonels (3-3) led 9-5 early in the game. But McCracken (3-2) scored the final nine points of the opening frame to go up 14-9.
The Lady Mustangs led 32-17 at halftime, and twice went up by 18 midway through the third quarter — at 37-19 and 39-21.
Just when it seemed like McCracken might pull away, though, Christian battled back into the contest.
It was 41-29 after three quarters. But a 3-pointer by Anaysia Bagwell had the Lady Colonels within 41-35 with still 6:15 left in the game.
With the margin down to 45-40, McCracken got a bucket inside from Reagan Hill, then a 3 from Anna Hammonds to regain control of the contest at 50-40 with 2:22 left.
Day had 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Colonels. Bagwell added 10 points.
Ava Hughes led McCracken with 13 points. Hill had 12.
After traveling to the 1st Region on Saturday, the Lady Colonels will head to the 4th Region on Tuesday to take on Bowling Green.
Christian County 9 8 12 11 — 40
McCracken County 14 18 9 12 — 53
Christian County (3-3)—Day 13, Bagwell 10, Bradley 8, Daniel 6, Hobson 3.
McCracken County (3-2)—Hughes 13, Hill 12, Hammonds 6, Houser 6, Reed 4, Brison 3, Word 3, Casebier 2, Hamilton 2, Bolen 2.
