Arthur McKnight’s 3-point attempt from the right corner rimmed out just ahead of the horn as the Hopkinsville Tigers dropped a tough 53-50 decision to Great Crossing in the Roy’s Bar-B-Que/1st Southern National Bank Classic Friday afternoon at Logan County High School. McKnight’s attempt was the second one the Tigers had in the final 30 seconds as the Warhawks held on for the win.
Early in the game it did not look like the Tigers would even have that chance to win at the buzzer. With Hopkinsville holding a 9-6 lead in the first quarter, Great Crossing, over the end of the 1st quarter and the beginning of the second quarter, went on a 12-0 run to take an 18-9 lead. A basket by K.C. Cabiness finally ended the run with 4:25 to go in the half.
The Tigers did not let the run get to them, as they battled back. Hoptown finished the half by scoring the last five points to cut the lead to 26-24 at the break.
In the third quarter, the Warhawks would lead by as many as five points. Josh Deeds scored four points late in the quarter as the Tigers took a 38-37 lead headed into the final eight minutes.
Twice in the final five minutes Hopkinsville would take a three point lead, only to see Great Crossing knock down a three-pointer, tying the game at 43-43 and 46-46. The Warhawks would take the lead for good on an old fashioned three point play with 1:43 to go in the game.
Over the final minute of the game, the Warhawks were able to make just enough free throws to hold on for the three point win.
Don Victor led the Tigers with 16 points. K.C. Cabiness finished with 8 points for the Tigers. Reece Jesse and Daisjaun Mercer added seven apiece.
Michael McKenzie and K.J. Tucker had 11 points each to lead the Warhawks. Big man Jaylen Barber, who cause the Tigers big problems on the defensive end and on the glass, added 10 points.
Hoptown falls to 4-6 with the loss. They will take on Owensboro Catholic in a consolation bracket game Saturday afternoon at Logan County High School.