TIGERS COAX 59-54 WIN OUT OF MULES

POPLAR BLUFF -- Cape Girardeau Central High's boys basketball team continued its mastery over Poplar Bluff Friday night and picked up a much-needed victory in the process.

The Tigers knocked off the host Mules 59-54, only their second victory in their past eight outings. It was Central's ninth win over Poplar Bluff in the last 10 meetings between the teams.

Central improved to 8-10 overall and 1-2 in SEMO Conference play. Poplar Bluff, which had a three-game losing streak snapped, fell to 8-10 overall, 0-2 in the league.

"It's a big win for us. We really needed it," said Central coach Brett Reutzel. "We played hard and for the most part we played smart. We finished the game better than we have been."

The Tigers, who trailed 28-25 at halftime, rallied to go ahead 45-37 after three quarters and built the lead to as many as 12 in the final period. The Mules pulled to within one in the late going but Central was able to hang on.

"We've had so many close games and we've had the lead in a lot of them late but we haven't been able to close them out," Reutzel said. "Tonight we did a good job at the end. This is something we can definitely build on."

Sophomore Ross Conner led the Tigers with 15 points while Travis Cox had a season-high 14 and Chris Bergerson added 12.

Poplar Bluff was paced by Mike Kilgore with 22 points.

Central's JV prevailed 62-60 as Donnie McClinton poured in 26 points.

The Tigers will be off until next Friday night when the Tigers visit state powerhouse Riverview Gardens.