Basketball Wins Opener at Nike TOC in Phoenix

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PHOENIX, Ariz. – Senior Julia Razo scored a team-best 15 points to help St. Francis to a 51-47 opening round win at the 2016 Nike Tournament of Champions over Chapparal (Colo.) Monday.

St. Francis trailed by seven points in the early minutes of the fourth quarter 42-35 but rallied with an 11-0 run sparked by Razo, who scored six of 15 points in the quarter. Senior Janae Fairbrook added seven points including a big three-pointer during the rally.

“We were composed and thinking about what we needed to do,” said Razo of the comeback. “We were helping out and getting out on their shooters.”

Junior Marlee Nicolos scored nine points in the win, including a 7 for 11 game at the line.

“Coach has said that getting to the line and making free throws was going to be a big for me this season,” said Nicolos. “I am trying to contribute any way I can so I am working on my free throws.”

The two teams played a tight game over the first three quarters with Chapparal taking a 26-25 lead at the break with a three-pointer at the buzzer. The game remained close in the third before Chappral opened its biggest lead early in the fourth.

“We played a little sluggish in the first half,” said Nicolos. “It was not the best game we have had but we are all very competitive. We pulled it out and gave it everything we had.”

St. Francis advances in the winner’s bracket and will play the winner of Sacramento and Foothill (Nev.) on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. at the Kroc Center.

St. Francis 51, Chapparal (Colo.) 47 1 2 3 4 F
Chapparal (Colo.) 10 16 13 8 47
St. Francis 10 15 10 16 51

SF –Razo 15, Fairbrook 12, Nicolos 9, Austin 4, Koerwotz 4, Kelly 4, Pank 3. C – Chiaverini  20, Hossfeld 9, Speights 8, Formeato 8, Johnson 2,