WAYNESVILLE -- The Capital City Cavaliers trailed for more than 28 minutes of game time Friday night. All that mattered was they held the lead for the final 2:38.

Capital City overcame a 17-point deficit in the second quarter, fighting back to beat the Poplar Bluff Mules 52-45 in the Route 66 Shootout at Waynesville High School.

The Cavaliers trailed 17-5 after one quarter and Poplar Bluff scored five points in the first 30 seconds of the second quarter to take a 17-point advantage. Capital City answered with a 10-0 run and cut its deficit to 33-24 by halftime.

Back-to-back 3-pointers by Jayvion Hunter closed the gap to 36-31 midway through the third quarter, but Poplar Bluff continued to lead 40-33 entering the fourth.

Jaden Bauman made a 3 and then drove to the basket for a layup, making it a one-possession game at 44-41 with 4:28 to play. Marcus Driver made a pair of free throws with 2:38 to play, giving Capital City its first lead of the game at 45-44.

The Cavaliers ended the game on an 11-1 run. Grady Payton made 1-of-2 free throws after a technical foul was called, then he scored a putback after Capital City held the ball for nearly a minute.

Bauman and Hunter also made a pair of free throws in the final minute to give Capital City a seven-point win.

Payton and Bauman each scored 14 points for the Cavaliers, while Francis Samuel and Hunter each added 10 points.

The Cavaliers finished 18-of-26 at the free-throw line, compared to 4-of-14 for the Tigers.

Sammy Durden and Justin Briscoe each scored 12 points for Poplar Bluff (3-3).

Capital City (3-3) plays next weekend in the Joe Machens Great 8 Classic at Fleming Fieldhouse. The Cavaliers face Class 3 No. 2 Montgomery County (9-0) in the first round at 5:30 p.m. Friday.