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(Photo/Alex Kielar) LaKyla Bartley, right, and Neveah Johnson, middle, defend a Dublin shot attempt during the first half of the Lady Bucks’ 46-34 district road victory Friday, Jan. 9. -
(Photo/Alex Kielar) LaKyla Bartley defends in the paint during the first half of the Lady Bucks’ first district win of the season as they outlasted Dublin, 46-34, on the road Friday, Jan. 9. -
(Photo/Alex Kielar) Paisley Thibodeaux, who scored 10 points in the 46-34 road win, defends an attempted pass into the paint during the first half of the team’s first district win of the season. -
(Photo/Alex Kielar) Analia Palacios defends against a Dublin player in the first half of the Lady Bucks’ first district win of the season, as they defeated the Lady Lions, 46-34, on the road. -
(Photo/Alex Kielar) Paisley Thibodeaux, who scored 10 points in the 46-34 road win, defends an attempted pass into the paint during the first half of the team’s first district win of the season.
The Breckenridge Lady Bucks used relentless defensive pressure and a steady second-half surge to earn a 46-34 road win over the Dublin Lady Lions for their first district win of the season.
Breckenridge opened with strong defensive energy in the game that took place Friday, Jan. 9, forcing turnovers and limiting Dublin’s clean looks. Preslie Malcuit hit a free throw, Analia Palacios added another and the Lady Bucks generated multiple steals that turned into transition chances. Even with several shots refusing to fall, the Lady Bucks trailed only 10-8 after the first quarter and had already dictated the tempo with its pressure.
The Lady Bucks took control in the second quarter. Kyra Canada tied the game with a layup and after Dublin briefly regained the lead, Breckenridge answered with a three-pointer from Palacios off the glass to spark momentum. Paisley Thibodeaux knocked down two free throws and the Lady Bucks’ trap forced a 10-second violation in the final minute. The Lady Bucks held the Lady Lions to just three field goals in the quarter and carried a 22-13 lead into halftime.
Dublin tried to climb back in the third quarter, opening with free throws and a corner three, but Breckenridge responded each time. Thibodeaux fed Palacios for a layup, and after a Dublin putback, the Lady Bucks answered with two made free throws and another inside finish. Palacios found Thibodeaux again for a layup, and a mid-range jumper from LaKyla Bartley extended the lead. Dublin scored late baskets off a couple of steals and the Lady Bucks led 36-27 after three.
The Lady Bucks closed the game with composure. Thibodeux scored early off a Neveah Johnson assist, and although Dublin earned several trips to the line, Breckenridge answered with drives, mid-range jumpers and second-chance points. Palacios added free throws and a key steal in the final minute, and the Lady Bucks controlled the pace down the stretch to secure the win.
The Lady Bucks are home Tuesday, Jan. 13 as they host the Millsap Lady Bulldogs before traveling to face the Peaster Lady Greyhounds Friday, Jan. 16.
