When Caldwell played at Dawson Springs earlier this season, the Tigers ran out to a big lead early and held on for a 92-75 triumph.
When the teams met again Tuesday night in Princeton, it took a big comeback for Caldwell to complete a regular-season sweep.
Down by as much as 11 points in the first half, and still trailing 50-41 midway through the third quarter, the Tigers battled back to set up a frantice finish that saw Caldwell pull out a 70-69 decision.
Trailing 69-68 late, Caldwell got the ball back on a steal by Landon Mitchell. Pax Aikins couldn’t get a shot on the move to go down, but Dayton Wilson swooped in to grab the rebound and score on a stickback with just 5 seconds to play to put Caldwell in front.
Dawson had one final chance to try to pull out the contest, but could only get a rushed shot from the wing that came up short as the final horn sounded.
The Panthers led for much of the game, forcing the Tigers to play uphill most of the night.
Dawson (5-11 overall, 1-3 district) was up 20-19 after one quarter, then opened up its 11-point lead in the second quarter before getting to halftime with a 43-35 advantage.
The Panthers took a 57-50 lead to the fourth quarter.
However, a 10-0 burst pushed Caldwell in front. A steal and layup by Aikins was followed by a putback by Kese Wilson that had the Tigers up 60-57 with 5:14 to play.
Dawson went back in front 63-62 when Ethan Slaton scored from in close with 3:49 left.
The game stayed tight the rest of the way, with Caldwell only getting the lead back on Wilson’s game-winner with 5 seconds remaining.
Aikins finished with a game-high 29 points to lead the Tigers. Ari Wells added 15 while Kese Wilson had eight points and 10 rebounds. Mitchell had seven points.
Jaydon Plunkette topped the Dawson scoresheet with 20 points. Easton Bourland had 17 while Noah Riley and Slaton each finished with 11.
Caldwell is now 8-8 and 3-1. The Tigers are still alive for the No. 1 seed for the 7th District tournament, but face a big challenge Friday night when they host district front-runner Hopkins County Central.
Dawson also has a district date coming up on Friday when it visits Madisonville-North Hopkins.
Caldwell has won 20 of its last 22 meetings with Dawson. However, the Panthers beat Caldwell in the 7th District tournament semifinals last February.
The Tigers hold a 104-45 advantage all-time against the Panthers.
Dawson Springs 20 23 14 12 — 69
Caldwell County 19 16 15 20 — 70
Dawson Springs (5-11, 1-3)—Plunkette 20, Bourland 17, Riley 11, Slaton 11, Burge 8, Motley 2.
Caldwell County (8-8, 3-1)—Aikins 29, Wells 15, K. Wilson 8, Mitchell 7, Lander 5, D. Wilson 4, Roach 2.
