Towles' career night carries West Aurora

West Aurora senior standout Kyra Watson let one of her teammates carry the load for once this season.

With Watson one of several West Aurora girls basketball players saddled by foul trouble against Oswego Tuesday night in Aurora, Kiara Towles stepped to the forefront.

The sophomore post registered game- and career-high totals of 18 points and 19 rebounds as the Blackhawks broke free late and held on for a 65-60 victory.

"We really wanted this one badly," Towles said. "We just had to come out and get it. (Free-throw efficiency is) key in games like this. I had to step it up (with Watson in foul trouble)."

Watson was coming off her second 20-20 (points and rebounds) outing of the year against Glenbard East last Saturday.

West Aurora (13-6) was nearly flawless from the line in the fourth quarter, connecting on 13-of-14 attempts in closing out the Panthers (13-8).

Towles, who had 11 points and 7 rebounds in the third quarter alone, hit two free throws to not only break the last of seven ties but also orchestrate a 9-0 run with 2:45 remaining.

Oswego, which like West Aurora had four of its five starters in double figures, had erased a 52-47 Blackhawks' lead with a 5-point burst over a 74-second span.

Watson (13 points, 10 rebounds) followed Towles' free throws with a layup off a busted play, and five more from the line gave West Aurora a 63-54 lead with 1:32 to play.

Point guard Tye Bri added 14 points and 5 assists for the Blackhawks, and fellow starters Tyronza McGowan (10) and Devin Vaughn (8) combined for 18 more points.

"Everybody kind of underestimates (Kiara)," West Aurora coach Connie Siljendahl said. "Kiara is one of those hidden athletes."

Amanda Washington paced Oswego with 14 points.