LIZTON – The University girls lost for the first time this season Thursday night, falling 54-47 to Tri-West.
A strong defensive effort from Tri-West and cold shooting from University put the Trailblazers in a 16-point deficit at halftime that proved too much to overcome. University shot just 5 for 27 in the first half and trailed 28-12 at the break.
The Trailblazers battled back in the second half and pulled within four three times, but could get no closer. Tri-West went on a 14-2 run midway through the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
University scored 20 points in the third quarter, closing the lead to 33-29 on a Payton Seay rebound basket with 1:20 left in the quarter. Maddi Sears had eight points in the quarter and Lindsey Syrek and Seay four each as University trailed 38-32 entering the fourth quarter.
Kelsey DuBois scored off a rebound to make it 38-34 and University was last within four at 40-36 with 5:35 remaining on a Sears basket. After a defensive stop, the Blazers had a chance to get closer, but turned the ball over and the Bruins went on their 14-2 run to seal the victory.
Sears had 16 points to lead University. Freshmen DuBois and Jordan Patterson had seven points each. University finished the regular season 21-1 and opens IHSAA Sectional 43 play Tuesday night at Western Boone against Cascade. The Trailblazers, Class 1A Regional champions last season, will be playing in Class 2A for the first time.
Isabelle Saylor and Kenna Kirby had 16 points each to lead Tri-West, which finishes its regular season with a 17-5 record. Tri-West opens Class 3A Sectional play against Monrovia.
TRI-WEST 54, UNIVERSITY 47
University FG FT TP PF
Kelsey DuBois 3-7 1-3 7 5
Sierra Hinds 2-9 0-1 4 1
Lindsey Syrek 2-14 2-2 6 0
Payton Seay 3-11 0-2 6 4
Maddi Sears 5-10 2-2 16 4
Jordan Patterson 3-5 0-0 7 2
Lilly Fair 0-0 1-1 1 0
Elise Nachlis 0-0 0-0 0 0
Totals 18-56 6-11 47 16
Score by Quarters
University 7 5 20 15 – 47
Tri-West 13 15 10 16 – 54
University 3-point shooting (5-14) Sears 4-6, Patterson 1-2, Hinds 0-5, Seay 0-1.
University rebounds (43) Syrek 12, DuBois 10, Seay 10, Sears 5, Patterson 3, Hinds 2, Fair 1.