RIDGEWAY — Jefferson had plenty of chances to put away Ridgemont Saturday night in Ridgeway.

The Jeffcats had 33 free throws to only 11 for their hosts; outrebounded their foe 40-27 (15-6 offensive); and shot a higher percentage from the floor (48.5 percent to 34.8).

In the end, though, they needed to hold off a late spurt and capture a 52-45 non-conference boys hardwood win.

“We only hit 16 free throws (48.5 percent) but made them late, 5-of-6 down the stretch,” Jefferson coach Marc Smith began. “We had chances to gap the lead even more but couldn’t hit free throws or we made a turnover. That’s been the story this year: we don’t seem to be able to hit our free throws without a little bit of pressure.”

Three Jeffcats attained double digits: Michael Wiltsie (14 points, 7 boards), Matt Antalis (13 counters, 8 caroms) and Aaron Klausing (10 points, 6 caroms, 5 assists).

“That’s what I like to see; a lot of guys contributing in a lot of areas, whether it’s scoring, rebounding, assists or steals,” Smith continued. “it means that the kids are buying into playing every area of the game of basketball.”

The ’Cats (2-1) got off to a slow start, trailing 9-8 by the time the horn sounded on the first period.

“I think we had some ‘Friday-night legs’ to start tonight. We were getting the ball where we wanted; we just weren’t finishing,” Smith noted. “What I liked was that we were attacking the basket and getting to the line, which we have been doing all year. We’re just not converting enough, only around 49 percent. We pretty much had things our way — a 10- or 11-point lead — from midway through the second quarter until the last two minutes, when they hit a couple of contested shots.”

Jefferson outscored the Gophers 18-6 in the second installment to lead 26-15 at halftime.

“Defensively, we are playing very well. We contested almost every shot tonight,” Smith said. “We also dominated the boards. So far this year, we have been getting a lot of second and third chances.”

Ridgemont slowed down the Wildcats in period 3, outscoring them 9-6 to reduce the deficit to 32-24 after 24 minutes of basketball.

The home team won the finale 21-20.

Jefferson shot 17-of-45 on the night (2-of-9 3s) and amassed 17 miscues and 16 fouls. Josh Miller added six caroms. They entertain Lincolnview Friday.

Ridgemont connected on 16-of-46 fielders (4-of-18 trios) and 9-of-11 singles (81.8 percent). They added 20 turnovers and 20 fouls.