GALION — Defensively, the Galion Lady Tigers were outstanding Wednesday night, and it was enough to come away with a victory.
The Tigers (3-19) limited Northmor to just three for 35 shooting (eight percent) in the first half and built a 23-10 lead at the half.
But the Knights (6-16) outscored the Tigers, 22-4, in the third period to take a 32-27 lead into the final frame.
Galion, however, went back to defense in the fourth period, holding Northmor to just three-for-11 shooting in the final eight minutes to pull out a 44-40 win.
Northmor finished the night shooting just 15 of 61 shots for 24 percent.
“In the first half, we played great defense,” Galion coach Shani Roston said. “We were hustling after it and we were getting boards. We did a great job. I was really proud of the way our girls played.”
In the third period, however, the Knights came to life, hitting nine of 15 shots to overcome the 13-point deficit quickly. Senior guard Addie Farley dropped a short jumper and added a three-point play as the Knights took their first lead of the game, 30-27, with 1:12 left in the period.
Northmor led by five, 34-29, early in the final frame, but the Tigers came storming back. Galion got the lead back at 38-36 with 5:27 left in the game on a Natalie Perkins 3-point shot.
Gracie Groves knocked down a short jumper moments later for a four-point lead.
Northmor cut the lead to 40-39 on a Farley layup, but that was as close as the Knights would come.
Northmor shot the ball 35 times in the first half, and 29 were 3s.
“We ran the same plays, but we made shots in the second half, not in the first half,” Northmor coach Fred Beachy said. “I think we were (15 of 61), that’s the game right there. They wanted it more than us, so that’s it.
“(Galion) went to man (in the third period),” Beachy added. “That’s our game, pick and roll. But if you don’t make shots you don’t win.”
Rush said that she was pleased with her team’s composure after the Knights made their comeback.
“We kinda didn’t play defense,” Rush said of the third period. “We kind of relaxed and were going through the motions. We ended up going man and we needed to get out on the shooters, their man on them and we had to shut them down.
“We took control of the game, I thought,” Rush added of the fourth period. “We controlled the offense trying to run the clock once we got the lead. We wanted to get layups.”
Gabby Kaple led the Tigers with 14 points. Farley led the Knights with 13 points and Lexi Wagner added 12.
“The first quarter we shot it well and then we kind of went down,” Rush said. “I think our defense got us the win.”
Both teams enter the tournament next week. Galion opens the Division III sectional at Willard High School on Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. against Huron.
Northmor starts the Division III tournament at Mount Gilead on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
Rush said that Galion’s win could be a nice springboard heading into the tournament.
“I thought this was the game we came out with emotion, ready to play, when we didn’t dig ourselves a hole like we had been,” Rush said. “I think if we play like this, we’ll get our first game.”
Box score
Northmor 6 4 22 8 — 40
Galion 13 10 4 17 — 44
Northmor (6-16): Shots 15-61; 3-pt. shots 4 (Juliana Ditullo 2, Reagan Swihart, Addie Farley); Free throws 6-10; Rebounds 27; Turnovers 8. Scoring: Reagan Swihart 1 2 5, Juliana Ditullo 3 0 8, Addie Farley 5 2 13, Macy Miracle 1 0 2, Lexi Wagner 5 2 12.
Galion (3-19): Shots 14-43; 3-pt. shots 4 (Gabby Kaple 2, Gracie Groves, Natalie Perkins); Free throws 11-18; Rebounds 42; Turnovers 19. Scoring: Mykenzie Debord 2 0 4, Heaven Phelps 0 4 4, Lydia Juarez 0 1 1, Teanna Greter 2 0 4, Gracie Groves 3 1 8, Gabby Kaple 4 4 14, Natalie Perkins 2 0 5, Morgan Kimble 1 2 4.
JV: Northmor 23-22.