Central survive White Station

Early on, it was all White Station. The Spartans scored the first eight points of the game -- prompting an enraged Bray to take a quick timeout along the way -- and went into halftime leading 23-17.

"We got out and pressured and played at a high level (early)," said Durham. "I told them not to get too hyped and we leveled off."

While the Spartans (20-3, 6-1 in 16-AAA) were leveling off, Central (14-8, 7-0) was grinding its way back.

The Warriors took the lead for keeps when sophomore Nina Davis (15 points) took a no-look pass from Aaliyah Whiteside and converted a three-point play to make it 36-33 early in the fourth. That started a 10-0 run that helped the Warriors grab control.

Whiteside, who also finished with 15, hit a 3-pointer from the left wing and Jalen O'Bannon scored all four of her points in Central's decisive run.

"We started getting some defensive boards, and we did a better job of pushing the tempo offensively," said Bray.

White Station still had its chances though. O'Bannon was called for an intentional foul with 32 seconds left, and Ashley Small hit both free throws to make it 47-44.

The Spartans, who were led by guard Breanna Ridgell's 18 points, got a good look on the ensuing possession, but Small's driving layup rimmed out and Central was able to make enough free throws to ride out the storm.

(2) Central 51, (1) White Station 46

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