For 16 minutes, the St. Anthony Lady Bulldogs played the state’s fourth-ranked team on even terms.

But in the third period, Arthur-Lovington/Atwood Hammond (ALAH) showed why it is 11-1 on the season and ranked No. 4 in the state’s Class 1A poll.

The Lady Knights went on a 21-5 scoring run to open up a lead, en route to a 54-37 decision at home.

With Abbi Hatton scoring nine points and Riley Guy adding eight more, St. Anthony kept it close throughout the first half. The Lady Bulldogs trailed 9-8 after the opening period and 26-22 at intermission.

But ALAH put it into gear in the third period. Alexa Miller pumped in seven points, helping the Lady Knights expanded their lead to 47-27 heading into the final eight minutes.

Both Miller girls – Alexa and Shaylie – scored 16 points to pace the Lady Knights.

Guy led SAHS with 14 points, while Hatton finished with 11.

The Lady Bulldogs dipped to 7-6 overall. They will return to action in the Mattoon Girls Holiday Tournament and play twice on Monday, Dec. 27. They will face Olney at 8:30 a.m. and Altamont at 7:30 p.m.