Neoga used a balanced scoring attack and a big second quarter Thursday night to post a 53-45 victory over the St. Anthony Lady Bulldogs.

Four players scored in double figures for the Lady Indians, led by Kylee Phillips’ 15. Olivia Titus scored 13, while Audrey Ramert and Kelsey Partlow added 11 and 10 points respectively.

Riley Guy scored eight points in the opening period and the Lady Bulldogs trailed by just two points, 12-10. But the hosts then went on a 19-7 scoring run in the second quarter to open a 31-17 advantage at halftime.

But St. Anthony refused to quit. The Lady Bulldogs used a 15-8 scoring edge in the third period to close to within 39-32 heading into the final eight minutes. Partlow scored six points and Phillips added five more to help Neoga maintain its lead down the stretch.

The Lady Bulldogs had three players in double figures. Guy finished with a game-high 16 points, while Lucy Fearday scored 12 and Reese Jones added 10.

Neoga improved to 11-12 overall and 3-2 in the National Trail Conference. The Lady Bulldogs are now 7-12 for the season and 2-3 in league play.

These two teams will face each other again Monday in an opening-round game of the NTC Tournament, which will be played in Beecher City. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m.