By JIM NELSON
PRINCETON — A furious Nitro rally in the closing minutes earned the Wildcats a 59-55 win over Princeton at the Ralph E. Ball Court on Monday night.
Cody Scott scored three late baskets and came up with a big steal to help the Wildcats go from two points behind in the game’s final 1:13 and pull out the win.
Princeton had grabbed an early fourth-quarter lead, 45-37, before Nitro made the big plays down the stretch.
The Tigers trailed early, by as many as 12 points, but outscored the Wildcats 18-8 in the third period to take a six-point advantage, 43-37, at the end of the frame.
Scott led Nitro with 15 points and was joined by three teammates in double figures.
Nick Branson, with 15 points, and Brandon Lafferty with 10 paced Princeton.
The Tigers, now 2-7, entertain Spring Valley Friday night and will play on the road at Bluefield on Saturday.
*****
At Ralph E. Ball Court
NITRO
Alex Ross 10, Clay Riggleman 11, Cody Scott 15, Lyndsey Johnson 10, Ridge Carnes 5, Rashawn Dunham 8.
PRINCETON
Brandon Lafferty 10, Adam Mills 2, Nick Branson 15, O.B. Pannell 8, Brandon Lee 6, Jordan Harris 7, Austin Harris 7.
Nitro (3-6)..................18 11 8 22 — 59
Princeton (2-7)..........13 12 18 12 — 55
