MARTINS FERRY – The Cambridge Bobcats will be enjoying a Merry Christmas.

Coach Logan McCort’s well-drilled squad downed Martins Ferry by a 64-56 count Tuesday night at Tolbert Gymnasium. As a result, Cambridge remained perfect on the campaign, improving to 7-0.

The injury-riddled Purple Riders, meanwhile, coming off a tough one-point loss to a talented Philo squad Saturday in the Buckeye 8 Challenge, saw their mark even at 3-3. Coach Derek Edwards’ charges started the game minus one starter due to injury and lost a second one early in the contest as he was sidelined after a collision.

Cambridge’s latest victory was the result of its ability to execute efficiently down the stretch. The game was up for grabs in the waning minutes but the Bobcats refused to crack despite constant Purple pressure.

“I am very happy with winning against a quality team in a tough place to play,” McCort said. “This is really the first time we have been challenged in the fourth quarter. I am most proud of how we took care of business with the game on the line.

Cambridge owned a 49-42 lead entering the fourth quarter. Ferry, however, drew to within three at 55-52 after senior ace Anthony Booth drained two free throws.

The Bobcats responded with four straight counters for a 59-52 advantage with 47 seconds remaining. Hard-playing sophomore Walkquem Cox goaled for the Purple Riders with 39 seconds showing making it a five-point issue.

The Bobcats’ Garrett Carpenter netted a pair of free throws at the 28-second lighting making it a 61-54 affair. Cox followed with another hoop before Cambridge’s Austin Jenkins made one-of-two free throws for a 62-56 lead with 21 seconds showing. The Purple Riders sealed their fate by committing a turnover on their ensuing possession.

“You can’t blame losses on injuries. Kids have to be ready when their number is called,” Edwards said. “But we are really hurting physically. It has been a problem the last two games.

“But our kids gave a valiant effort tonight. I thought defensively we really did a very nice job,” added the former All-Ohio Purple point guard. “Give credit to Cambridge. They made the plays with the game up for grabs. They are an excellent team.”

Carpenter and Mason Gregg led the Bobcats with 20 points each. The Guernsey Countians knocked down eight three-point goals.

Elijah Smith turned in a stellar effort in a losing cause. The talented Purple junior led all scorers with 22 points to go with eight rebounds.

Cox was next with 12 points while Booth and fellow senior Gavin Little each produced 11 counters.

Cambridge took a 13-7 lead after one quarter before Ferry closed the gap to 30-27 at intermission.

Cambridge committed 12 turnovers, two more than the Purple Riders. Ferry returns to action Saturday at East Liverpool.