PHOENIX, Ariz. – The St. Francis basketball team fell behind by 14 points in the second half only to pull within a basket before falling 53-50 to Gilbert (Ariz.) Wednesday on the third day of the Nike Tournament of Champions.

Sophomores Nika Bagatelos and Megan Austin combined for 18 points in the fourth quarter as the Troubadours almost came back in a game that looked over entering the final period.

“We started to play good defense and get in the passing lanes and that helped our offense get going and score some points,” said Bagatelos.

Trailing 43-30, Austin hit three layups and a pair of free throws and Bagatelos knocked down two three-pointers as the SF press helped force some key turnovers to fuel the comeback in the fourth.

But the comeback came up short and was slowed by the lack of a 30-second clock in the tournament (Arizona high school rules).

St. Francis opened the game on an 8-0 run and led after the first quarter 16-7 but Gilbert (11-2) slowly pecked away at the lead and led after a buzzer beater before the half. The Tigers started strong in the second half continuing a 15-0 run to lead 36-22.

“We need to have more pressure on the ball,” said Bagatelos.  “When we pressured them, they threw the ball away and we got easy points.”

St. Francis scored 20 fourth-quarter points while holding Gilbert to just eight.

“We have to play like we did in the fourth quarter and keep it going throughout the season,” said Bagatelos.

St. Francis (4-3) will play its final game in the tournament on Thursday against Forest Grove at 1:30 p.m. at the Kroc Center.  Forest Grove is located in Oregon.

SF – Bagatelos 15, Austin 10, Kelly 8, Koerwtiz 5, Razo 4, Pank 3, Nicolos 3, Keitges. G – Cavinder 18, Cavinder 15, Hock 7, Kownlski 3, Huskey 4, Hurd 4.