Burkburnett takes bite out of Graham

BURKBURNETT - Pressure can sometimes create diamonds. Tuesday night, however, pressure turned whatever momentum the Graham Steers and Lady Blues had into district dust.

Both the Lady Blues and Steers struggled in their respective contests against Burkburnett, and each team suffered its first district loss of the season. Graham was scheduled to resume district play Friday night at home against Iowa Park. District play continues Tuesday night, Jan. 24, with a road trip to Vernon.

Burkburnett 55, Graham 40

For 11 minutes of the first half, the Lady Blues looked as though they were in control. Ultimately, it was the last five minutes of the first half that spelled the end.

Burkburnett used a full court press to force the Lady Blues into multiple turnovers to end the first half. A slow offensive performance hindered Graham in the second half, leading to the district loss. The defeat dropped Graham to 12-12 overall and 2-1 in district, while Burkburnett improved to 17-3 overall and 3-0 in district play.

The Lady Blues opened the game on a 6-0 run, before the Lady Bulldogs got on the board with a three-point shot at the 5:35 mark of the first. Graham would then go on a 6-2 run to extend the lead to 12-5 with 2:30 left in the first quarter. Going into the second, it looked as though the Lady Blues had a solid plan, leading 14-8.

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