LANDRUM- With time running short in the fourth quarter, Christ Church Episcopal made a run at Landrum in men’s basketball on Tuesday, several times cutting the Cardinals’ lead to within several points.

 

CCE’s mistake might have been fouling the Cardinals’ Trey Smith, who twice in succession, was two-for-two at the line, giving Landrum the breathing room to walk off the court with a gutty 69-61 win. Smith’s second two-for-two ended the scoring with but eight seconds left in play, allowing the Cardinals to finally let out a collective breath.

 

Smith had also helped Landrum in the early going, making two three pointers, to give the Cardinals a 6-0 lead.

 

The win boosted the Cardinals’ season mark to 11-5 overall, and 2-1 in the region.

 

“We played good at times in the first half,” reported Cardinal head coach Lyn Smith, who added, “I was proud of our guys.” Indeed, Smith’s and Landrum’s guys overcame a rush by a highly athletic team.

 

After the first quarter, Landrum was up 19-9, and led 37-23 at the half. However, the third quarter belonged to the Cavaliers, who outshot their hosts 23-12, in those eight minutes to sneak to within 49-46, just to add a bit of spice.

 

Tonight, the Cardinals host Greer Middle College. Tip-off is set for 7:30. On Jan. 27, they host Chesnee. They also visit Blacksburg on Tuesday, Jan. 24.