HILLSBORO - The Bryan Lady Vikings were down by 11 points in the second quarter, but fought back to claim a 61-60 victory over Allen in a non-district battle of 5A teams.
Bryan coach John Shelton said that Ladoris Beckworth and Jessica Walker had huge games to carry the team. Beckworth had a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards. Walker also scored 11 points and added nine rebounds. Walker led the team with seven steals and had three assists and a block.
After falling behind, the Lady Vikings changed their game plan.
"Our half-court defensive pressure worked," Shelton said. "We turned it into a half-court game and we executed very well."
Bryan outscored Allen 18-9 in the third quarter for 44-41 lead.
Shaneka Mason led the Lady Vikings with six assists. Amber Densey dropped the only 3-pointer for Bryan.
Bryan will travel to Houston on Friday to take on St. Agnes at 6 p.m.
Bryan 61, Allen 60
(numbers indicate field goals, free throws-free throw attempts, points)
ALLEN (10-4) - C. White 1 2-4 4; T. Wencis 2 3-3 8; L. Pierson 1 0-0 2; L. McCullough 5 0-0 13; K. Moroni 5 1-3 11; S. Brewer 1 0-0 2; A. Severin 8 4-7 20. Totals 23 10-17 60.
BRYAN (11-3) - Astin Williams 1 0-0 2; Akira Burns 1 0-0 2; Shaneka Mason 3 2-5 8; Jessica Walker 5 1-5 11; Brooke Cooks 4 0-0 8; Amber Densey 4 0-1 9; Alisha Williams 5 0-3 10; Ladoris Beckworth 5 1-4 11. Totals 28 4-18 61.
Allen 10 22 9 19 - 60
Bryan 15 11 18 17 - 61
Rebounds - Bryan 33. Fouls - Allen 16, Bryan 20. Fouled out - Brooke Cooks.
Stat Leaders - Rebounds: (B) Beckworth 11, Walker 9. Steals: (B) Walker 7. Assists: (B) Mason 6, Walker 3. Blocks: (B) Walker 1.