MESA, Ariz. – The St. Francis basketball team recorded a 59-42 win over Basha (Ariz.) at the Nike Tournament of Champions Friday afternoon at Mesquite High School.
"It felt amazing to get a win today," said Austin, who had nine points in the win.
St. Francis (5-5) trailed early in the first quarter as Mia Fleming-Mullins scored six of the team's nine points in the first eight minutes. But St. Francis responded with their best quarter of the tournament in the second, using a 10-0 run midway to overcome a 15-12 deficit. The run was started by a three-pointer by Nika Bagatelos and Austin scored seven of her nine points in the period. The Troubadours led 29-19 at the half.
"The key was to keep working hard," said Austin. "We played with passion and heart and that is contagious with our team."
SF extended the lead in the third quarter with threes by Bagatelos and Jorie Keitges, while Fleming-Mullins added two second-half baskets.
"We had a way better attitude today and bonded as a team today," said Fleming-Mullins. "We played really well."
Sophomore Mackenzie Le scored six points in the fourth as the Troubies saw the entire team see action in the contest. Senior Maya Curiale added three points in the final period. Senior Ally Gage scored two of her five points and Keitges added a triple. Junior Jasmine Lee and Gabi Lopez also scored in the game.
The Troubadours play their final game of the four-day Nike Tournament of Champions event on Saturday morning at Mesquite High School against Boulder Creek out of Anthem, Ariz. First tip is at 10 a.m.
"It has been a lot of fun and I feel everyone has got closer," said Fleming-Mullins. "We are having a lot of fun together."
St. Francis 59, Basha 43
SF – Fleming-Mullins 12, Bagatelos 10, Austin 9, Le 6, Keitges 6, Gage 5, Pank 4, Curiale 3, Lopez 2, Lee 2.
