TIGERS TOP RIVERVIEW GARDENS 62-55

Sometimes a winning record is not the only true test of a winner.

The Cape Central Tigers (5-14) don't have a glowing won-loss record. They don't have exceptional talent, height or size. But they have heart.

Heart was the key for the Tigers as they held on to defeat Riverview Gardens 62-55.

"I think these guys are winners," said Central coach Brett Reutzel, "I don't care what our record is."

Leading 51-41 going into the final quarter, Central saw its lead vanish as the Rams went on a 13-0 run to take the lead at 54-51 with about 3 minutes left.

But the Tigers would not fold. After three free throws tied the game at 54-54, T.J. Erlacker put Central ahead with a jumper in the lane at the 1:50 mark.

Then 6-foot-1 senior J. P. Limbaugh did the rest, going 6 for 6 from the free-throw line in the final minute to ice the win.

"We've been shooting about 70 percent from the line the last six or seven games, so I'm not afraid to see any of them step to the line," said Reutzel, "but if I had to pick one it would be J.P."

Central jumped out to a 6-0 lead early in the first quarter, and held a 13-10 lead going into the second period.

In a high-scoring second quarter the Tigers outscored the Rams 21-20 to take a 34-30 lead into the intermission.

Cape Central, had a good shooting night overall, hitting 21 of 40 from the field -- 52 percent -- and 19 of 31 from the charity stripe. Riverview Gardens (1-15) matched the Tigers in field goals made but could hit only 8 of 17 free throws.

Matt Cardin came off the bench to lead the Tigers with 15 points, while Limbaugh and Erlacker added 11 and 10, respectively.

Howard Fields paced the Rams with a game-high 16 points.

Cape Central travels to rival Jackson for its next game on Tuesday.

Riverview Gardens won the junior varsity game 64-52. R. V. Boren led the Tigers with 13 points.