Burlington C. 50, Marengo 45

The Burlington Central girls basketball teams' defense was solid throughout.

Its offense finally got untracked in the second half and the Rockets downed Marengo, 50-45, in Big Northern East action in Marengo.

The final score was deceptive. The Rockets led by 8 to 10 points for most of the fourth quarter. But they missed 4 straight free throws at one point. The Indians took advantage with a 7-0 run to make it 48-45 with 8 seconds to play. Brianna Conran then made 2 free throws with 6 seconds remaining to clinch it.

Melanie Laird came up huge with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocked shots for the Rockets. Cory Bazany had 14 points and 6 boards. Jordan Maisto scored all of her 13 points in the second half.

"I was happy with our defensive effort tonight," said Central coach Darlene Guyett.

Central (14-6, 4-1) led just 16-13 after a first half in which neither team could find the range offensively.

After the break, Marengo got within a point twice.

Burlington then broke the game open with a 7-0 run consisting of 2 Bazany baskets sandwiched around a Maisto 3-pointer.

"We knew if we stayed patient we would end up starting to knock down some shots," Guyett said. "Jordan Maisto stepped up there and Melanie Laird hit some big free throws. It was just a matter of taking care of the ball."

The Rockets attempted 27 free throws to just 7 for the home team. Although they only made 14, it was more than enough.

Laird was 3 of 4 from the line in the fourth quarter, and Conran was 4 of 6.

Marissa Haskins and Brooke Martin scored 12 points apiece for Marengo, and nearly shot the Indians back into the ballgame.

Martin's 3-pointer made it 45-37 after the Rockets had led by as many as 14 in the final period. With the Indians down 48-40, Haskins made a basket and, after 2 missed free throws, Martin nailed another "three" to get the Indians within 3 points. But they could get no closer.