Men's Basketball | 12/11/2024 8:49:00 AM

The Clinton Men's Basketball team had to dig deep to figure out a way to not lose its fourth straight game on Tuesday night.

The Arrows watched its 13-point, halftime lead dwindle to single digits by the end of the third quarter but pulled out an outstanding last eight minutes to win over Leake Central High School, 76-68, at Arrow Gym. Snapping a three-game skid, Clinton improved its overall record to 7-4.

The red and black led 43-30 at halftime, but the visiting Gators (11-2) came out of the locker room determined to not get blown out. The second half's first eight minutes was all Leake Central as it outpaced Clinton 21-14 to close its deficit to 57-51.

With its lead to three possessions, Christien Cunning got the Arrows off the canvas with his transition lay-up, Kameron Boone added a lay-up, and Jakobe Cavett knocked down a jump shot, giving them a 66-56 advantage.

Clinton saw its lead get down to six points with under two minutes, 30 seconds remaining. However, Cavett added a free throw, and Logan Garner's thunderous, two-handed slam gave the Arrows enough cushion by the one-minute mark, 72-63. The win was emphasized when Cavett threw down a fastbreak dunk for an 11-point lead with 18 seconds left.

Cavett was of 12-of-16 on field goals, including five of seven behind the the 3-point arc, scoring 37 points. The senior guard scored 20 points in the first half.

Cunning chipped in 14 points, and seven different Arrows scored in the victory.

Clinton shot 70-percent from the floor and knocked down 55-percent of their 3-point attempts. The Arrows grabbed 18 rebounds.

The Arrows were determined to find a win in the opening period and grabbed a 24-12 lead.

The home side made 14 of 24 on field-goal attempts and scored three-of-six 3-point attempts in the first half. The 13-point advantage was helped by a 75-percent effort from the charity stripe.

UP NEXT

Clinton gets another shot at the Raymond Rangers this upcoming Friday at Raymond High School. The non-region game tips off at 7:30 p.m.

The Arrows open Region 2-7A competition next Tuesday, Dec. 17. They travel to Gluckstadt for a game against the Germantown Mavericks, starting at 7:30 p.m.