Caldwell County held off Hopkins County Central at the free throw line while ending a five-game losing skid.
The Tigers were 28 of 34 at the charity stripe — including 18 of 19 in the fourth quarter —while beating the Storm 66-57 Monday night in a game that was played at South Hopkins Middle School.
Jamarius Blaine had 17 points to lead Caldwell, including an 8-for-8 showing at the free throw line in the fourth quarter.
Cayden Fraliex added 13 points and Adarius Riley had 12 for the Tigers, who are now 10-14 overall and 3-2 in the 7th District.
Hopkins Central (7-17, 1-5), which led 29-28 at halftime, got 20 points from John Miller. Sam Almon and Marcus Eaves each had 12 points for the Storm, which had won seven of its last 10 games.
Caldwell had won 84-54 when the two teams met earlier this year in Princeton.
The rematch was originally scheduled for last Tuesday at Hopkins County Central High School, but was postponed when heavy rains led to wet spots on the court there.
The tilt was rescheduled for Monday in Mortons Gap, but again rain made for the possibility of leaks again. So the contest was moved to South Hopkins Middle School, which was the gym of the South Hopkins High School Tomcats prior to consolidation in 1996.
Caldwell will play another “throwback” game on Tuesday when it hosts Crittenden County for a girls and boys doubleheader at Butler Gym in downtown Princeton.
Hopkins Central plays again on Tuesday as well, traveling to Lyon County.
Caldwell County 13 15 13 25 — 66
Hopkins Central 9 20 8 20 — 57
Caldwell County (10-14, 3-2) — Blaine 17, Fraliex 13, A. Riley 12, Smiley 9, Ray 5, Spikes 4, J. Riley 4, Branch 2.
Hopkins County Central (7-17, 1-5) — Miller 20, Almon 12, Eaves 12, Moore 6, Weldon 5, Morris 2.
