HOT SPRINGS (KFSM) – Bentonville was hoping their second straight trip to the 7A state championship game inside the Hot Springs Convention Center was different than the first one.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, it was all too similar.
Bentonville led Cabot by seven midway through the fourth quarter Friday night, just as it did against North Little Rock a season ago, but for the second straight year the Tigers had to watch that lead disappear.
The Panthers went on an 18-2 run that saw a 40-33 Tigers’ lead turn into a nine point deficit and Cabot held on for a 59-49 win and the 7A state title.
Malik Monk led Bentonville with 19 points but was just 8-of-24 from the field, including 0-of-10 from 3-point range. Tyler Robinson added 13 points for the Tigers while Cabot got 17 points from Jarod Barnes.