Falcons pick up second conference win

The Nation Ford Falcons girls’ basketball squad picked up their second Region III win of the year by beating Northwestern convincingly, 58-33 win.

The win improved Nation Ford to 2-2 in Region III and the Falcons are still in a fight for a potential playoff spot with a little less than month to go in the season.

Nation Ford was able to set its game on cruise control in the second half as Northwestern struggled with turnovers for the majority of the game. While Nation Ford shot better in the first half, it was still able to take advantage of Trojans miscues by scoring off turnovers.

In the third quarter, freshman Ellona Moulds carried the hot hand for Nation Ford, hitting three of her six shots and scoring seven points in the quarter.

Sophomore Sami Tuipulotu and junior Courtney Wells were also a threat for the Falcons on the inside as they added eight points in the quarter.

Turning point

Between the first and second quarters, the Falcons went on an 8-0 run to increase its lead, while Northwestern struggled with turnovers, committing 11 in the second period alone.

Junior Emma Starkey drained another 3-pointer for Nation Ford and led the Falcons with five points in the quarter. Nation Ford also improved on its shooting as it hit 54 percent from the field. This allowed the Falcons to take a comfortable 30-13 lead into the locker room at the half.

Critical

Starting the game off with a quicker than normal pace, the Falcons raced out to a 13-8 lead after the first quarter.

Nation Ford got early open looks at the basket and was able to make the most of the baseline as they repeatedly attacked the low post to get the best shots possible.

Starkey hit one of her two 3-pointers in the quarter and junior Sydney Adams scored four of her 10 points to lead Nation Ford during the early run.

The Falcons shot 42 percent from the field in the opening period and were perfect from the line hitting both of their foul shot attempts.

Star contributions

Nation Ford was led by four players in double digits with Moulds, Starkey and Tuipulotu each scoring 11 points and Adams adding 10 points as well.

Overheard

Head coach Tamara Washington said she was pleased with the well-rounded performance from her team.

“It puts us in fighting range,” Washington said. “I am excited for our players. We have been talking about passion and heart. I couldn’t have been more proud of them.”

This story was originally published January 15, 2016 at 4:42 PM with the headline "Falcons pick up second conference win."