POPLAR BLUFF HANDS TIGERS A 68-57 LOSS

POPLAR BLUFF -- After an emotional and hard-fought win over Jackson on Tuesday night, the Cape Central Tigers couldn't keep up with Poplar Bluff on Wednesday, losing a SEMO Conference game 68-57.

Central coach Brett Reutzel, however, was pleased with his team's effort. He just thought the Tigers got a bit tired.

"I was very pleased with the way we approached the game and the way we came out," Reutzel said. "The effort and the enthusiasm was there. Fatigue got to us a bit. They would've tried to wear us down anyway, but (after playing last night) it really made a difference. We made mistakes we wouldn't make normally."

Reutzel said Bluff used 10 or 11 players and its up-tempo style wore down the Tigers.

"Their pressure is not just on the defensive end," he said. "They get out on the break too. You have to sprint back. You have to get there. Then they shoot a lot of threes and you have to chase long rebounds."

Ross Conner led Central in scoring with 10 points.

Jamie Waddell led Poplar Bluff with 17 points, followed by Michael Kilgore with 13.

Cape Central dropped to 8-13 and with the loss Wednesday is pretty much out of the running to retain its conference title.

Central is, however, still in the hunt to capture a top three seed in the upcoming district tournament. The district picture could clear up somewhat after the Tigers play host to Sikeston on Friday night. Being seeded in the top three is crucial as the four and five seeds have to play an extra game.