Caldwell County had its regular lineup for the first time in a week, and the Tigers played well Tuesday night at Webster County.
However, the Trojans pulled ahead in the second half and held on for a 75-71 victory in Dixon as Webster pushed its season mark to 19-2.
Caldwell, now 9-12, has dropped three straight games.
However, the Tigers were within 24-23 after one quarter thanks to a 3-pointer at the horn by Adarius Riley.
Caldwell took a 39-37 lead to halftime.
Webster got to the fourth quarter with a 55-53 advantage.
The Trojans led by as much as eight points in the final frame before back-to-back 3-pointer by Jabrion Spikes and Cayden Fraliex got Caldwell as close as 71-69 with 1:18 to play.
But Webster put the game away at the free throw line. The Trojans were 4-for-4 in the final 35 seconds — Tyler Camplin and Hunter McNaughton each making both ends of one-and-one situations to help Webster hold on.
Destin Allen led Webster with 25 points, getting 14 of those in the first half.
McNaughton finished with 14 points, Camplins 13 and Aden Winn 12.
Fraliex hit six of Caldwell’s 11 3-pointers and led the Tigers with 22 points. Spikes had three 3s and finished with 14 points. Caldwell also got 13 from Riley and 10 from Cole Smiley.
Caldwell next visits Lyon County on Thursday for a girls and boys varsity doubleheader.
Caldwell County 23 16 14 18 — 71
Webster County 24 13 18 20 — 75
Caldwell County (9-12) — Fraliex 22, Spikes 14, A. Riley 13, Smiley 10, Branch 6, Blaine 4, East 2.
Webster County (19-2) — Allen 25, McNaughton 14, Camplin 13, Winn 12, Harmon 7, Geary 4.