Fewer turnovers and better shot selection have the Southside Mavericks on the cusp of making the state playoffs.

With two games left in the 7A-Central season, the Mavericks hold a one-game lead over Little Rock Central for the final playoff berth. As fate would have it, the Mavericks close out the regular season with the one team they can clinch a playoff berth with — the Central Tigers.

Southside (13-13, 5-7) will host Central (8-15, 4-8) in the final home game of the 2017-18 season today at 7:30 p.m. Since opening conference play with three straight losses, the Mavericks have gone 5-4, including Friday’s 58-38 win over Little Rock Catholic.

“I think they’re playing with confidence right now,” Southside coach Charlie Cooper said. “I think we’re playing with a lot of intensity. In the last three games we’ve had less than 10 turnovers, so we’re taking care of the ball more. We’re a lot more patient on offense.

“The fact is that we’re doing a better job taking care of the ball and taking better shots than we have in the past.”

Last month, Southside beat Central, 63-51, in Little Rock, giving them the crucial 10-point tie-breaker points that, should the Mavs lose today by less than 10 points, they would still clinch a state tournament berth.

Of course, the simple solution, Cooper says, would be to win out.

The Mavericks host Central today and conclude the regular season Friday against Northside.

“We just need to control what we do,” Cooper said. “A win would be big. I really want it for these kids; these kids have really bought in.”
