Carly Lehman (left) of Fairbanks prepares to drive on an opponent. Lehman tallied 15 points during a victory over London. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
A staunch Fairbanks Lady Panther defense limited London’s varsity basketball team to nine points during the first half on Wednesday.
The Red Raiders (4-7) got their offense untracked during the second half.
It wasn’t, however, enough to prevent a 52-37 loss to Fairbanks.
FHS held an 11-2 margin by the end of the opening quarter and took a 26-9 lead into the halftime break.
The Lady Panthers cooled off during the third stanza, but still held a 34-23 advantage as the fourth quarter got under way.
Fairbanks (which will travel to Greeneview on Saturday) shot fairly well.
The Lady Panthers hit 22 field goals in 53 attempts for 41%.
The Red Raiders finished with a 34% mark, sinking 15-of-43.
Fairbanks (which improved to 11-2 on the season) won the battle of the boards by a 29-26 count.
FHS garnered 11 offensive rebounds, which gave it additional shot opportunities.
The Lady Panther defense was responsible for 22 London turnovers.
Fairbanks converted those miscues into 18 points.
Macy Miller led the Lady Panthers with 20 markers, while Carly Lehman tossed in 15.
Elaina Lahmers finished with eight, followed by Ellie Carter-six, Kate Ruff-two and Lindsey Smith-one.