WARNER - Heading into a crucial stretch of Big Eight Conference games, the Central Lady Tigers knew they needed a win at Warner if they wanted to make a serious run at the league championship.

They got what they wanted on Friday night, riding a tenacious defensive effort to a 28-19 win over the Lady Eagles to stay within a game of conference-leader Hulbert.

Central moved to 12-2 overall and 5-1 in the Big Eight and head coach Scott Lowe was thrilled with his team's performance.

"It was the most intense and most focused I've seen the girls all year. I think the kids knew what they had to do to keep pace in the conference and keep within striking distance of Hulbert," said Lowe. "It was the best game we've played all year. Both teams played really hard. Warner had been playing really well, so this was a big win on the road for us."

The Lady Tigers went on a 10-2 spurt in the second quarter to grab the lead and they never allowed Warner to score more than eight points in any quarter.

"We pressed the entire game. It's kind of embarassing that we didn't get more points off the press, but to hold someone to 19 points when you're pressing the whole time is impressive. We put the clamps on them," said Lowe.

Senior post Jennifer Ridinger led the way offensively with 11 points for Central. Blair Haggard scored six, Bunny Postoak five, Lyndsey Sharp two, Kayla Lattimore two, Sarah Winans one and Lacey Wallace one.

Warner entered the game tied with Central for second place in the league standings, but dropped to 13-3 and 6-2 with the setback. The Lady Eagles were paced by six points each from Stephanie Smith and Lauren Chandler.

Central 36, Warner 30 (Boys)

Central beat Warner for the second time in two tries, but the Tigers had some difficulty in shaking the Eagles on Friday night.

Warner held a lead at halftime before Central eventually went in front in the third quarter to collect the Big Eight Conference victory.

"I think we overlooked them a little and (Warner coach James Bliss) has got them playing better defense. We also got into some foul trouble, but that's no excuse though," said Central head coach Michael Wynne.

Andy Edwards and Jeremy Cheater picked up two early fouls and sat for most of the first half as Warner took a 19-16 lead at the break. A 10-3 surge in the third quarter put the Tigers in front and they outscored the hosts 11-8 over the final eight minutes to hang on.

Seniors Skyler Rogers and Tyler Kutil led Central in scoring with 11 points apiece. Cheater and Edwards finished with four each and Stevie Morris scored three.

David Mealer paced Warner with 11 points.