Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Lincoln County Patriots delivered a gritty performance in a heart-pounding showdown against Madison Central on Tuesday Jan 21, but ultimately fell just short, 45-42.

The Patriots’ defense set the tone early, holding Madison Central to just six points in the first quarter. Despite struggling offensively, Lincoln kept pace, thanks to Cash Baird, who tied the game 2-2 with the Patriots’ first points of the night. Lane Sergent added three clutch free throws in the final seconds of the quarter, keeping Lincoln within one, trailing 6-5.

Madison Central opened the second quarter on a strong run, extending their lead to 14-5, but the Patriots quickly responded. Baird broke the Indians’ streak with a floater, followed by a surge from Sawyer Robbins and Sergent that narrowed the gap to 14-11. Robbins ignited the Patriots’ offense with an old-fashioned three-point play, bringing the score to 17-14 before the Indians closed the half ahead 20-14.

Despite a tough shooting performance in the first half (22% from the field), Lincoln’s defense forced eight turnovers, keeping the game within reach.

The Patriots came out with renewed energy in the third quarter. After Madison Central extended their lead to 24-17, Braden Fugate nailed Lincoln’s first three-pointer of the game, sparking a comeback. Midway through the quarter, the Patriots’ relentless hustle led to second-chance points and a steal by Baird, cutting the deficit to 26-23. A late surge, capped by a three-pointer from Baird and a layup from Robbins, brought Lincoln within one, 31-30, heading into the final quarter.

Sergent opened the fourth with a baseline jumper, giving Lincoln their first lead of the night at 32-31. The back-and-forth battle intensified as both teams exchanged blows. Baird and Sergent delivered clutch baskets, including a game-tying three-pointer from Sergent to make it 37-37. With a minute remaining, Fugate drained a three-pointer to give Lincoln a 42-41 lead, electrifying the home crowd.

In the final seconds, Madison Central capitalized on free throws to reclaim the lead. The Patriots had one last opportunity to tie or win the game but were unable to convert, falling 45-42 in a valiant effort.

Baird led Lincoln with 17 points, followed by Robbins and Sergent with nine and eight, respectively. Fugate added eight crucial points, including two big three-pointers.

Despite the loss, the Patriots showcased their grit and ability to rally in high-pressure moments. The Patriots will look to bounce back Friday, Jan 24 as they host district foe Garrard County.

Lincoln County’s Braden Fugate brings the ball up the court during the Patriots’ narrow 45-42 loss to Madison Central. Fugate hit a clutch three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to give Lincoln a brief lead, finishing the game with eight points. (Photo submitted)