The West Liberty Comets girls' basketball team has improved a lot since the beginning of the season, but a five-point first quarter and a 12-point difference in the fourth were too much to overcome on Jan. 24. The Comets fell 60-41 to the Bears at West Branch.

"It's kind of been our story lately," West Liberty Head Coach Nick Heath said, "We get down seven, 18, 23 points, whatever, and we fought back.

"Tonight it was 40-35 with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. (West Branch) went on an 8-0 run to take a commanding lead (in) the game, and that was tough to fight back from. We're improving. We've got a decent four-game stretch now."

First Quarter

West Liberty got off to a very slow start offensively and was down 7-0 before Hailey Daufeldt scored the Comets' first points of the game on a putback basket with 3:36 remaining in the first quarter. West Branch scored two more baskets, then a three-pointer by Molly Kelly made it 11-5. West Liberty trailed 13-5 by the end of the quarter.

Second Quarter

The Bears stretched their lead to double digits with a putback basket to start the second quarter. Emma Baker was fouled on a shot and made both free throws for the Comets for a 15-7 score. West Branch made a three-point basket; then Kelly drove to the hoop and scored. The Bears scored in the paint, and the Comets took a time out with 5:46 on the clock, trailing 20-9.

Later on Daufeldt got a defensive board and Baker scored with a jump shot for a halftime score of 30-19, Bears.

Third Quarter

Daufeldt hit an outside two-pointer for the third quarter's first score. West Branch scored two baskets, then the Comets fouled the Bears. West Branch made the first free-throw then had a lane violation. The Comets turned the ball over, and West Branch scored. Kelly hit a three-point basket at the 4:42 mark, beginning a 10-0 run by the Comets for a 37-24 score. Baker got a defensive rebound, then the Bears pulled down a defensive board. Anderson got a defensive rebound, then the Bears got a rebound and traveled.

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WL Girls beaten by WB Bears