BIC Lady Mustangs NEA Tourney runner-up

Top seeded Nettleton broke away from a 34-30 halftime advantage to claim its fourth consecutive Northeast Arkansas Invitational Tournament Championship with a 70-59 victory over Buffalo Island Central Friday night at the Convocation Center in Jonesboro.

The Lady Raiders (11-3) held an 18-17 lead after the first quarter and pulled ahead in the third period, doubling its four point halftime advantage to eight, 49-41, heading into the fourth quarter of play.

BIC cut the lead to four points early in the final frame, but Nettleton responded with a 12-2 run to take a 61-47 advantage, cruising to the championship.

Lexi Belliew led all scorers with 21 points. Other Lady Raiders in double figures included Jennifer Towne with 19, while Alexis Sharp scored 15 and Shayna McMillin added 10 points.

BIC placed four players in double figures, led by Brittany Fowler's team high 17 points. Cassidy Qualls, Hayley Parker and Emily Owens added 10 points apiece while Callie Brooks and Kaylee Greathouse contributed five points each. Katelyn Sparkman added two points for the Lady Mustangs.

In quarterfinal play, BIC downed Salem 73-56.

Brittany Fowler pumped in 17 first half points on her way to a game high 29 points. Cassidy Qualls scored 13, Callie Brooks tallied 11 while Kaylee Greathouse contributed 10 points. Brittany Stockton scored six while Rachel Goldammer and Hayley Parker added two points apiece.

Paige Hollis led Salem with 17 points while Sydney Mitchell added 14.

The Lady Mustangs held off a late Marmaduke fourth quarter rally and took a thrilling 53-52 victory over the Lady Greyhounds when Emily Owens sank the game winning free throw with 1.6 seconds remaining in the game. Marmaduke fought back from a 13 point halftime deficit to tie the game late on Jessica Boggs' three pointer.

Brittany Fowler scored a game high 27 points to lead the Lady Mustangs offensively. Cassidy Qualls netted eight, Emily Owens finished with six, Hayley Parker tallied four, Callie Brooks contributed three, Brittany Stockton and Kaylee Greathouse added two each while Katelyn Sparkman rounded out the Lady Mustang scoring with one point.

Anna Best and Whitley Boggs led Marmaduke with 12 points apiece while Jessica Lee added 11 more.

Fowler, Qualls and Brooks were all named to the NEA Tournament team.

BIC will return to action with two road games next week, playing Tuesday night at Rector before traveling to Maynard on Friday night.