MANTUA—Chagrin Falls used a 9-0 run in the third quarter to pull away from host Crestwood in a 58-56 win on Thursday.
With the win, the Tigers improved to 6-4 overall and ran their win streak to four straight games.
“We just had to handle what they threw at us,” said Chagrin Falls head coach Brittany Laseak. “Once we got comfortable with our full-court play, we got some ball movement in our half-court offense.”
The Tigers led by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter before the Red Devils made a run and pulled to within two points with a chance to tie the game on the final shot of the contest.
“We had a game like this earlier in the year where we had a lead but imploded,” Laseak said. “We did a better job today; we learned from that experience.”
Lilly Stukus contributed in a big way with a game-high 19 points and three 3-pointers, 13 of which she scored in the first half.
Avery Russell and Amelia Bencko added 15 and 12 points, respectively. They combined for 13 rebounds as well.
“It’s outstanding to have three girls score like that,” Laseak said. “They can score on any given night.”
Norah Pope added eight points and 11 rebounds and Abby Kay rounded out the Tiger scoring with four points.
Crestwood dropped to 5-5, but the Red Devils never quit.
“The girls have fought hard all year,” said Crestwood head coach T.J. Henderson. “They don’t give up; no excuses.”
Hannah Ward led the Red Devils with 17 points and seven rebounds. Becca Brady scored eight of her 15 in the fourth quarter to spark Crestwood’s comeback bid.
The Red Devils drew up a play for Ward in the final seconds.
“The play was drawn up for Hannah,” Henderson said. “She puts in the work, and we want the ball in her hands.”
Maddie Dustman contributed eight points, Liv Martini finished with seven, and Grace Harper closed out Crestwood’s scoring with six points.
“The message stays the same,” Henderson said. “Just keep fighting and clawing, work on the little things.”
Crestwood returns to action on Dec. 30 when the Red Devils host Kent Roosevelt. Chagrin Falls opens the New Year against Fairview on Jan. 3.
