Defense, DeLaSalle lead ACCS to victory Thursday

Published 6:00 am Friday, January 12, 2007

Ariana DeLaSalle had a big night for ACCS, as the Lady Rebels downed Centreville Academy 35-29 on the road Thursday night.

Things got off to a sluggish start as turnovers and early fouls prevented both teams from building any sizable lead in the first quarter.

DeLaSalle kept the Lady Rebels close by blocking a shot early and scoring four of their five first quarter points. But Centreville played tough defense and picked up several offensive boards to take a 7-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.

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In the second quarter, the Lady Rebels stepped up their defensive efforts and limited the Lady Tigers to just six second quarter points. ACCS then got their offense going to take a 16-13 lead at the half.

In the third quarter, DeLaSalle and the Lady Rebels worked on building their lead. DeLaSalle scored 10 points in the third quarter alone, while the Lady Tigers scored six points total. After the DeLaSalle scoring run, ACCS led Centreville 28-19, as both teams headed into the final quarter of play.

The Lady Tigers got back in the game early in the fourth. Early foul trouble and turnovers by the Lady Rebels created several scoring opportunities for the Lady Tigers.

With less than three and a half minutes to play, the lady Rebels lead was cut to three points, but that was as close as the Lady Tigers got. As the game drew to a close, ACCS hit several key free throws down the stretch to put the game on ice, and close the deal on a 35-29 victory on the road.

“We knew we were coming into the lion’s den,” ACCS head coach Chuck Baurle said. “We didn’t shoot the ball well, but neither did they.”

On the other hand, Bauerle said he was pleased with the way his team played defense.

“We played zone defense the entire game. I haven’t done that in a while, but it worked tonight,” he said.

He said the main keys to the Lady Rebels victory were DeLaSalle’s big third quarter, and the team’s ability to make a few free throws down the stretch.

“Overall we played hard against a good ball club, and were fortunate enough to come away with the win,” said Bauerle.