Considering that this was Model’s final time to host Armuchee at the soon-to-be-closed M-Dome, it may have seemed the Lady Devils wanted to win Tuesday’s game just for old time’s sake.

But in reality, their desire for victory went well beyond sentimental reasons.

Having already dropped two subregion games, the four-time defending 7-AA champs simply couldn’t afford another loss — and Caroline Long made sure they didn’t get one.

The freshmen scored a game-high 14 points, including a huge basket and three crucial free throws in the final 30 seconds, to help the Lady Devils down their crosstown rivals, 51-46, before a large crowd in Shannon.

The victory enabled Model (11-8, 3-2) to move into a three-way tie for second place with Coosa and Armuchee (12-5, 3-2) in 7-AA South.

“It was definitely a big win for us,” said Long. “We came out tonight ready to play and ready to be aggressive. … And we really wanted this one for the seniors, because we didn’t want them to go out with a loss to Armuchee in their final time playing them in this building.”

Fittingly, the contest unfolded in the same riveting manner that has characterized virtually every Model-Armuchee game inside this revered venue.

The teams were never separated by more than five points in the final 24 minutes, and there were six ties and eight lead changes in that span.

“Anytime we play Armuchee, it’s always going to be a fun game and a fun atmosphere,” said Model coach Sally Echols. “And that was definitely the case tonight.”

Armuchee held a 44-42 lead after a pair of free throws by Allie Durall with 4:15 to play in the fourth quarter, but Model closed the game on an 11-4 run to gain the win.

Long, Timia Reynolds, and Karlee Akin — all freshmen — scored nine of the 11 points during the decisive run. The trio of freshmen combined for 32 of Model’s 51 points overall, with Akin and Reynolds scoring nine each.

“I think I am pretty much over the whole being-a-freshmen thing,” said Long with a big smile. “I feel like I am prepared to step up and be a leader.”

Lauren Shields added eight points for Model. For Armuchee, Sarah Barnett scored a team-high 15 and Durall had 8, including two 3s.

Senior Janaye Jasper eventually iced the win for Model, hitting two free throws with eight seconds left after Armuchee had turned the ball over on its previous possession.

“Our execution was very poor in the entire second half, and especially late in the game,” said Armuchee coach Tammy Norred. “We made a couple of mistakes that you absolutely can’t make in a game like this.”

In some ways, it was remarkable that the Lady Indians even had a chance to win in the final minute, considering they scored just two field goals in the entire second half. (After Sarah Barnett’s basket with 6:11 left in the third quarter, Armuchee didn’t have another basket until Durall’s 3-pointer with 11 seconds left in the game.)

The night had started promisingly for the Lady Indians, who raced out to an 11-0 lead and were leading 14-2 near the midway mark of the first quarter.

But Model closed the period with a 19-6 run to build a 21-20 lead, and the stage was then set for another typical Armuchee-Model classic. And the teams delivered.

“I can’t tell you how many Model-Armuchee games I’ve been apart of in this building that have been just like that,” said Echols. “And I’ve enjoyed every one of them, win or lose.”

Model visits Pepperell on Friday; Armuchee goes to Temple.

ARMUCHEE (46)

Sarah Barnett 15, Abby Monteith 12, Allie Durall 8, Kelcey Akridge 6, Christina Nixon 3, Jessica Beaver 2.

MODEL (51)

Caroline Long 14, Karlee Akin 9, Timia Reynolds 9, Lauren Shields 8, Janaye Jasper 6, Kaylee Akin 5, .

Armuchee 20 9 9 8 — 46

Model 21 9 10 11 — 51

3-Pointers — Armuchee 2 (Durall 2); Model 3 (Shields 2, Reynolds 1). Free throws — Armuchee 19-25; Model 9-12. Records — Armuchee 12-5, 3-2; Model 11-8, 3-2.