Warsaw senior Jared Bloom, shown in action versus Plymouth Feb. 7, hit the game winning free throw Tuesday night in a 55-54 win over South Bend Clay.

WARSAW – Warsaw boys basketball coach Doug Ogle has said all season his team is a very resilient group.

The Tigers proved that with a much-needed win Tuesday night.

Warsaw, coming off back-to-back one-point conference losses, nipped South Bend Clay 55-54 in non-conference action in the Tiger Den Tuesday night.

Senior Jared Bloom hit a free throw with four seconds to play to provide the winning margin for the Tigers.

Bloom, who was 3-of-4 at the line on the night, was fouled on a drive after Warsaw worked the clock down in the game’s final minute. The Tigers’ top scorer hit the first free throw to make it 55-54 and Clay called timeout. After Bloom misfired on the second charity toss, Clay called another timeout.

The Colonials had a 3-point try by Taron Miller at the final horn, but the well-guarded shot was well off the mark.

Warsaw, which led by 10 points at halftime, had to rally from a seven-point deficit in the third quarter to come up with the win.

“It was meaningful that our guys fought back after getting down seven and I’m proud of them for that,” said Ogle in a phone interview Tuesday night following the game. “It was not perfect, but I’m happy we won the game. Clay is a good basketball team.

“We played well in the first half and then we had some of the same things that have hurt us lately in the second half. We had 13 turnovers in the second half. But, all things considered, it’s a win we can build on.”

Warsaw, which lost 73-63 at Clay last year led 15-8 after the opening quarter and took a 27-17 advantage into the locker room at intermission. Clay rallied by outscoring the Tigers 24-10 in the third period to take a 41-37 lead going into the final frame.

The Tigers had lost four of their last five including a 48-47 decision to Elkhart Memorial and a 57-56 final at Plymouth last Thursday. Warsaw had led by 14 in the third quarter at home before losing to Memorial and was up by 15 early in the fourth quarter at Plymouth before faltering late.

Jordan Stookey turned in a strong effort, despite being at less than full strength, for the Tigers Tuesday night. The junior guard, who injured his right (shooting) wrist in a hard fall late in the Plymouth game, led Warsaw with 14 points to go with six rebounds and five assists.

“Jordan played well for us tonight,” said Ogle. “He’s probably at about 80-85 percent with his wrist right now. It’s weak.”

The Tigers, who improve to 10-8, also got a big game from Taylor Cone. The senior, despite battling a case of the flu, had 10 points and five rebounds. Bloom finished with 10 points to go with five assists. John Swanson scored eight points, Rashaan Jackson six, Nate Pearl five and Jason Ferguson two for the Tigers.

Ogle also noted that both Cone and Swanson came up with key defensive plays in the final frame by taking pivotal charges on the Colonials.

Warsaw shot a fine 22-of-38 from the field, including 4-of-8 on 3-pointers. The Tigers were just 7-of-13 from the line and did commit 18 turnovers.  Clay finished just 19-of-44 from the field, including 6-of-16 on 3-point tries. The Colonials were 10-of-12 from the line with 16 turnovers.

Taron Miller led Clay, which drops to 12-7, with 19 points. Martavious Richmond scored 12 points and Kenny Jones 11 for coach Joe Huppenthal’s squad.

Warsaw won the junior varsity contest by a 38-33 count. Nick Sands scored 17 points and Peyton Long eight to lead the JV Tigers to the win.

Warsaw (10-8) plays at Fort Wayne Luers and Clay (12-7) hosts South Bend Adams on Friday night.