“I couldn’t be happier for Nancy,” Rios said. “She has worked hard to get to this point. And she passed a great one. Lucy was an outstanding player for us. We’ve been so fortunate to have all these good kids; kids that care about our program and the Sisterhood.”

When the game ended, Ruholl was at 1,656 points, which is now just seven points away from Wente’s point total of 1,663.

“With the way she can score, I’m sure she’ll be over 2,000 points before she’s done,” Rios said.

Two minutes into the game, the Lady Warriors held a narrow 5-2 lead. But it didn’t last long.

Ruholl hit a pair of free throws that sparked the scoring surge that put SAHS ahead to stay. Addi Nuxoll hit a foul shot, Ruholl scored twice, followed by two baskets by Addie Lauritzen and then a three-pointer by Adi Rios that capped the run that put the hosts on top, 16-5.

At the end of the quarter, it was a nine-point spread, 19-10.

It was still  a nine-point lead midway through the second period when the Lady Bulldogs went on another scoring spree. Rios converted a Tuscola turnover into a basket, Ruholl hit a short jumper and then Lilly Gannaway, Rios and Ruholl each connected from behind the arc to complete the 13-0 surge and increase St. Anthony’s lead to 22 points, 35-13.

It was a 21-point advantage, 37-16, when the teams went to the locker room at intermission.

The Lady Bulldogs not only shot 50 percent the first half – connecting on 13-of-26 attempts – their harassing zone defense caused the Lady Warriors fits. They turned the ball over 13 times in the first 16 minutes and St. Anthony converted six of those into scores.

And it was Lauritzen that caused a bulk of the problems at the top of that SAHS zone defense.

“She’s a force, that’s for sure,” Rios admitted. “Addie is 5’10” and very quick and athletic. She gets into the passing lanes, deflects so many passes and gets steals. She’s improved as much as anyone on our team this year. I’m really proud of her.”

The lead bounced between 21 and 23 points through the first 5½ minutes of the third period. But in the final 2:49, the Bulldogs exploded again, closing the quarter on a 12-2 run, with Ruholl scoring the final eight points. That made it 53-22 heading into the final eight minutes and resulted in the continuously running clock.

Ruholl was the only player in double figures for SAHS, but Rios and Lauritzen both scored eight points. Ruholl finished with a double-double, also grabbing 10 rebounds. Nuxoll had 10 boards, as well, helping the Lady Bulldogs to a commanding 31-14 advantage.

St. Anthony shot 45 percent overall, making 21-of-47 shots. They were 5-for-14 from long range and 14-of-17 at the line.

The Lady Bulldogs, the No. 2 team in Class 1A, improved to 24-4. They will finish the regular season at home Thursday against a talented Newton squad.

St. Anthony will then open postseason play as the No. 1 seed in the Neoga Regional. Their first game is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 17. They will face either Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City or Neoga. That game is set for 6 p.m.