The St. Anthony Lady Bulldogs returned to the court for the first time since finishing third in the Coles County Girls Holiday Basketball Tournament.

And there’s nothing like coming off a two-week layoff and facing the back-to-back state champion.

But that’s exactly what the Lady Bulldogs did Saturday in the Breese Central Shootout.

After Vienna was a late scratch and St. Anthony’s game with Flora had been cancelled, the Lady Bulldogs stepped in and faced Okawville, winners of the last two Class 1A state titles.

St. Anthony kept it close for a half before dropping a 46-34 decision to the Lady Rockets.

Nancy Ruholl scored 12 points in the first half and the Lady Bulldogs trailed by only three points, 27-24, at intermission. But Okawville then outscored SAHS 14-2 in the third quarter to build a 41-26 advantage.

“It was a great test for us to kick off the second half of the season,” said Aaron Rios, head coach of the Lady Bulldogs. “We played well three out of four quarters.”

Ruholl finished with 14 points.

Brynn Rhodes scored 15 points for the Lady Rockets, who improved to 10-5.

The Lady Bulldogs are now 13-4 on the season. They will play tonight (Monday) at Salem.