Jaydarius Wilson made the game-winning basket and grabbed the game-ending rebound as Caldwell County edged Muhlenberg County 55-53 Saturday night in Princeton.
The Tiger big man had 22 points, 16 rebounds and three blocked shots as Caldwell won on its home floor for the second straight night.
Caldwell (8-5) won despite making just one field goal over the final 4 minutes of the contest.
The Tigers led 53-46 midway through the fourth quarter, but Muhlenberg (10-4) used a 7-0 burst late to knot the game. Kason Morris buried a 3-pointer from the right side with 47 seconds left to tie the contest at 53-53.
However, Caldwell got the ball down the floor, and Collin Whittington found Wilson open on the low block. Wilson laid the ball over the rim with 32 seconds to go with what proved to be the deciding points.
The visiting Mustangs had one final shot. After calling timeout with 18 seconds left, Muhlenberg got a shot in the lane but couldn’t get it to go. Wilson grabbed the carom for Caldwell and dribbled out the final seconds to secure the two-point triumph.
The game featured 12 lead changes and four ties.
Caldwell’s biggest lead was eight — twice in the fourth quarter. Muhlenberg’s largest lead was three in the first half.
Cade Rowland added 14 points for the Tigers while Pax Aikins had 13.
Gunnar Revelett led Muhlenberg with 20 points. Jace Sommers had 12 and Morris finished with 10 for the Mustangs.
The last three meetings between the two teams have all been two-point decisions.
Caldwell claimed a 65-63 victory at Muhlenberg last season. The Mustangs won in Princeton two seasons ago 51-49.
The all-time series is even at 3-3.
The teams traded the lead eight times in the first quarter on Saturday before Caldwell grabbed a 16-15 advantage after 8 minutes.
Muhlenberg led midway through the second period before the Tigers got to halftime up 33-30.
The Mustangs regained the lead early in the third quarter, but a 3 by Aikins put Caldwell in front until Muhlenberg tied things in the final minute of play.
Next up for Caldwell is the 2nd Region All A Classic next week. The Tigers are scheduled to play a quarterfinal round game at Fort Campbell on Tuesday.
Muhlenberg County 15 15 11 12 — 53
Caldwell County 16 17 12 10 — 55
Muhlenberg County (10-4)—Revelett 20, Sommers 12, Morris 10, Groves 4, Coats 4, Brannon 3.
Caldwell County (8-5)—J. Wilson 22, Rowland 14, Aikins 13, Parker 4, Whittington 2.
