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| Alicia Hett scored a team-high 16 points (photo by Jim Lindquist) |
The victory raised the Tigers' record back to the .500 mark both for the season (9-9) and conference (4-4).
"The first half was kind of ugly, but I thought we played much better in the second," Tiger coach Sondra Chadwick said. "Our help-side defense wasn't there in the first half and we gave up too many points inside.
"In the second half we closed that down and contested their outside shots. Our press hurt them and I liked the way we were able to get the ball out in transition."
Red Wing led 28-27 at the end of a back-and-forth first half, largely due to the efforts of McKenzie Muelken who torched the Tigers for 17 points.
At the other end of the floor, the Wingers shadowed Tiger leading scorer Sofia Chadwick, holding her to just three points.
"We have matured as a team and other girls have stepped up to score," coach Chadwick said. "We had nice balance tonight."
Alicia Hett scored the first two Farmignton baskets after intermission, one a three-pointer, to give her team a 33-31 lead the Tigers never surrendered.
Later the Wingers pulled back to within 43-39 before Sofia Chadwick scored five straight points to stretch the led back to nine.
Farmington helped itself at the foul line down the stretch. The Tigers converted 10 of 11 free throws in the second half.
"We have shown the composure to win these close games," coach Chadwick said.
Hett led a trio of Tigers in double figures with 16 points, Jordyn Hoemier netted 11 and Chadwick finished with 10.
Muelken, who was limited to just three second half points, finished with a game-high 20 points.
The Tigers don't have much time to savor the win. They return to Tiger Gym this afternoon (Saturday) for a matinee meeting with East Ridge. Next week they hit the road for two conference games, Tuesday at New Prague and Friday at Holy Angels.
