Maine West holds off Stevenson

Maine West's girls basketball team appeared to be in full control as it held Stevenson to only 6 points in the first quarter and 3 points in the second quarter.

The Warriors held a 21-9 halftime lead and was up 30-16 at the end of the third quarter.

But the Patriots weren't dead.

Stevenson got within 44-36 with less than three minutes left, but Maine West hung for a 47-39 win in the third game of the Maine West Tip-Off Classic on Saturday.

It was the first loss of the season for Stevenson (3-1, 2-1).

Maine West (3-1, 2-1) was led by its version of Ms. Inside and Ms. Outside. Ms Inside, Megan O'Neil, made 9 shots from the floor and went 6 of 6 from the free-throw line for 24 points, while Ms. Outside, Samantha Acosta, popped four 3-pointers and totaled 14 points.

O'Neil also grabbed 16 rebounds, while Shaina Yalda dished out 8 assists.

Michelle O'Brien led Stevenson with 17 points.

"I think we're growing up a little bit," Maine West coach Derril Kipp said. "We're very inexperienced and we went over things defensively how to stop O'Brien, who is a terrific shooter. I think (Anna) Morrissey is a good player too We had a lot to think about defensively and our kids did a great job recognizing what we talked about in pre-game."

Patriots coach Trish Betthauser pointed to the eight-minute draught that cost her team the game.

"We didn't adjust to what they were doing to us defensively," Betthauser said. "And at the other end, we gave up too many offensive rebounds. If we could have limited those, things may have been a little bit different for us in the second half."

O'Brien scored two quick baskets in the first quarter, but then had to leave due to foul trouble. She came back in the second half to help spark the Patriots.

"We fought real hard to come back," said O"Brien, who also grabbed 9 rebounds. "We really wanted it, but Maine West is really tough."

"For Michelle to finish the way that she did after the two quick fouls shows that she is a tough kid mentally," Betthauser said. "She doesn't let things bother her. She continues to compete and has a very bright future in front of her."

Morrissey pitched in 8 points, and Kelsey Simon had 6.