Caldwell County’s guys will look to battle for a couple of wins in the consolation bracket after dropping their opener Saturday in the Ballard Memorial Christmas Shootout.
The Tigers fell behind early against Union County and just could never make up ground in dropping an 84-71 decision in first round action in LaCenter.
Union (5-3) led 28-22 after one quarter and 47-41 at halftime.
Caldwell (4-4) was still as close as 65-58 after three quarters before the Braves extended the final margin to 13 points.
Daishawn Curry led four Union players in double figures with a game-high 25 points. Cortayvion Rapier had 16 points while Cale Johnson and Gavyn Black each finished with 14.
Ari Wells and Daelyn Lander topped Caldwell with 22 and 21 points, respectively. Pax Aikins added 17.
The Tigers had won their previous two meetings with Union. The Braves lead the all-time series 51-31.
Caldwell next faces Villa Madonna (2-5) Sunday afternoon at 3:45.
Union will take on host Ballard Memorial in the semifinals at 7:15 Sunday.
The event continues through Monday.
Union County 28 19 18 19 — 84
Caldwell County 22 19 17 13 — 71
Union County (5-3)—Curry 25, Rapier 16, Johnson 14, Black 14, Patterson 6, Wilson 6, Mills 3.
Caldwell County (4-4)—Wells 22, Lander 21, Aikins 17, Phelps 5, K. Wilson 4, Roach 2.
