By Cort Reynolds

HARROD - Host Allen East built a 15-point halftime lead and cruised to a 63-35 win over local rival Ada in a Northwest Conference girls basketball battle Thursday evening.

The purple and gold fell to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in the NWC with the defeat, while the Lady Mustangs improved to 2-3 and 1-1 in league play after the win.

Ada trailed 13-7 after one period, and AE stretched the lead to 31-16 at intermission. The Mustangs extended the margin to 41-24 after three periods and finished strong with a 22-point fourth quarter to win going away.

"Their post game started taking over, giving us some problems," said Bulldog head coach Bill Taflinger.

Senior Maddie Gossard led Ada with 18 points and added three rebounds. Senior Anney Archer contributed seven points and three steals.

Bulldog junior guard Raina England dished out four assists and made three steals. Junior post Rilan Conley added five rebounds.

AE also won the two-quarter reserve game, 23-4.

1 2 3 4 F

Ada 7 9 8 11 35

AE 13 18 10 22 63

JV: AE 23, Ada 4.

Ada (1-1 road) visits Van Buren Tuesday, Dec. 19 in a non-league battle.

"They have some strong sophomores and juniors at Van Buren," noted Taflinger. "We've got to do a better job of defending to have a chance."