Visiting Carlisle scored the final seven points of the game in the last minute of action to record a 57-50 win over Perry in Raccoon River Conference boys action Friday.
Perry led only twice in the game, at 3-2 after two minutes of play and again, at 30-29, midway through the third quarter.
Most the contest was played with Carlisle (7-5, 5-3) tenuously holding on to leads that ranged from three points to seven. The Wildcats led an 18-13 edge after one period and led, 25-19, after two, but were never able to put the Bluejays away.
Perry (5-6, 4-4) endured extended cold stretches on offense, especially in the second half, hampering any chances to close their gap. The Bluejay defense played well, keeping the hosts in the game throughout, but the Jays missed at least 10 shots from within 10 feet of the basket, greatly damaging any hopes of victory.
Carlisle turned a 43-41 lead entering the fourth quarter into a 48-42 edge with four minutes to play, and held a 50-44 advantage with just over two minutes left before a Perry closed to within 52-50 with 54 seconds still on the clock.
A basket by Thomas Donovan and two free throws from Collin Lister pushed the margin to 56-50, with Cole Henderson adding a final foul shot as Perry simply could not find a way to answer in the final minute.
Carlisle finished the game 9-of-12 at the foul line while Perry was 12-of-17. The Jays, while never seriously in foul trouble, were whistled four times for offensive fouls, including three times in the second half as they tried to rally.
Rashon Ivory led Perry with 18 points, with Connor Nielsen adding 13. Kyle Nevitt finished with eight points, with seven from Janier Puente and four from Drew Levan completing the scoring.
Lister had 15 points and Donovan and Henderson 13 apiece for Carlisle, who had posted a 64-51 win over Perry Dec. 9. Max Goodhue had 10 points and Max Evans six for the guests.
Perry hosts Carroll Tuesday and visits ADM Friday before playing Jan. 28 at Des Moines Christian in a boys-only JV/varsity set scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.
