The Madisonville-North Hopkins girls had to work overtime and then some to extend their lengthy winning streak against Caldwell County.
The Lady Maroons finally fended off the Lady Tigers 61-56 after three overtimes in 7th District action Tuesday night at Maroon Gym.
The win extends Madisonville’s winning streak in the series to 19.
It looked like the win might come a little easier when the Lady Maroons (2-2 overall, 1-0 district) opened up a 32-21 lead in the third quarter.
The margin was still 34-26 entering the final frame, but Caldwell (1-2, 0-1) battled back to take the lead late at 39-37.
Macy Wright hit two free throws with 1:29 left in regulation to tie the game at 39-39 and set up overtime.
Caldwell again led 43-41, but a bucket from in close by Sadie Kirk knotted the game at 43-43 and sent the game to a second overtime.
This time, it was Madisonville that held a 53-50 advantage late. However, a 3-pointer by Caldwell’s Med Thomas tied the game and sent the teams to a third extra session.
Madisonville went up early in the third OT, but the Lady Tigers were still within 57-56 following a runner in the lane by Tink Clark with 35 seconds to go.
But the Lady Maroons were able to make just enough free throws the rest of the way to put away the win.
Madisonville’s Wright had 23 points to lead all scorers in the contest. She was 13 of 19 at the free throw line as the Lady Maroons made 19 of 31 attempts from the stripe.
Mia Harris added 15 points for the home team.
Clark’s 17 points topped Caldwell. Thomas finished with 13 while Paisley Hooks and Laylay Shearer each had 10.
Caldwell was 16 of 28 at the free throw line.
The Lady Tigers have not beaten Madisonville since the 2018 7th District tournament.
The Lady Maroons lead the all-time series 67-16.
Both teams will see more district action on Friday.
Madisonville goes to Hopkins County Central as part of a girls and boys varsity doubleheader.
Caldwell will travel to Dawson Springs for a girls and boys twinbill.
Caldwell County 12 5 9 13 4 10 3 — 56
Madisonville-NH 12 10 12 5 4 10 8 — 61
Caldwell County (1-2, 0-1)—Clark 17, Thomas 13, Hooks 10, Shearer 10, Thompson 3, Whitaker 2, McCoy 1.
Madisonville-North Hopkins (2-2, 1-0)—Wright 23, Harris 15, Western 9, Kirk 8, Baker 3, Gobin 2, Nelson 1.
