The Hopkinsville Lady Tigers dug an early hole, rallied and came up just short in the 3rd place game of the FNB Holiday Bash at South Warren. The late push came up just short as Hopkinsville fell to Central Hardin 55-54.
The Lady Tigers had trouble getting their offense started Saturday. Central Hardin put the defensive clamps down on the Hopkinsville offense and limited the Lady Tigers to one field goal and one free throw in the opening quarter, as Central took an 11-3 lead.
Things got a little better, but just a little, for Hopkinsville in the second quarter. Central Hardin gave up only seven points in the second quarter as the Lady Bruins pushed the lead on out to 26-10 at the half.
As it has been most of the season, when the Lady Tigers are at their best, their defense is leading the way. Hopkinsville cranked up the defensive pressure in the 3rd quarter and the comeback was underway. By the end of the 3rd, the Lady Tigers found themselves down only 36-32 after three.
Hopkinsville would be able to tie the game early in the 4th, but the Lady Bruins responded with a run of their own. Central Hardin was able to hold off one more late charge from Hopkinsville to pick up the one point win.
The Lady Tigers fall to 11-6 on the season. Hopkinsville returns to action January 3 when they host Madisonville.