With only 26.1 ticks left on the clock, the Lady Griffins of Fairfield Central were just 2 points away from slipping into a first-place region tie with Nation Ford. And with the kind of stellar full-court press defense the Lady Griffins have been playing all year long, head coach Cedric Simpson had to like their chances.

While the Lady Griffins had the trap, they missed the steal. From there on, the senior experience came to the rescue of the Lady Falcons as they held on to a 47-41 win over Fairfield Central.

“They out-rebounded us and made their free throws down the stretch,” Simpson said. “They’re a senior-heavy team and their experience showed itself at the end.”

The Lady Griffins, who apparently have not been informed that this was to be their rebuilding year, found themselves down by a single point to the region leaders going into the fourth quarter. Only a determined run by the Lady Falcons gave them the edge in the closing seconds.

“Every game we’ve lost has been close,” Simpson said. “Our girls have played hard. I am proud of them. They’ve shown a lot of heart and a lot of pride.”

With four games remaining in the regular season, the Lady Griffins are in sound position for a playoff run with a shot at one of the first two spots in the region. They travel to York tonight and host South Pointe Friday night.

The boys’ squad also came up on the short end at Nation Ford Friday night, falling 58-48 to the Falcons. NaJawan McKinstry led the Griffins with 18 points, followed by Daniel Maple with 15.

The loss puts the Griffins’ playoff hopes in something of a bind, according to head coach Devin Liferidge.

“We need to win two of last four to have a shot at the playoffs,” he said. “Tonight’s game at York is a must-win game for us.”