Indians claw their way back but still bested by Raiders

The Central Indians overcame a 17-point third quarter deficit, but still came up short to Pembroke Hill in the first round of the Cardinal Classic on Tuesday.

The Indians came into Tuesday’s tournament bout with Pembroke Hill boasting a better record, but efficiency in all four quarters by the Raiders would give them the edge in this contest. Pembroke Hill won the fine aspect of the game that may be glossed over in a standard box score. The Raiders managed to score the first baskets of each quarter.

And with a combination of sharp outside shooting and an sufficient amount of points in the paint, Pembroke Hill would put Central on the ropes by leading as much as 37-20 in the early stages of the third quarter. But, Central would fight back. Starting with a mid-range jump shot from the free throw line by senior Amonttay Henderson with 3:18 to play in the third, Central would mount a comeback.

The Indians would cut the deficit to nine heading into the fourth quarter, and eventually find themselves leading 46-44 with under a minute and a half to play in the game.

However, Pembroke had just enough offense left in the tank to finish the contest on a 5-0 run to squeak past the Indians and avoid the late crumble.

Central will move to the consolation portion of the bracket in the Cardinal Classic and will play Savannah on Thursday. Pembroke Hill will advance to the winner’s side of the bracket and face East Buchanan on Thursday evening for a chance to punch its ticket to the championship game on Saturday.