After a two week absence for winter break, the 20th ranked Grayson Vikings returned to the court for their final non-conference clash of the year, taking on Frank Phillips on Friday, Jan. 2  at the Collin College Classic in Plano, TX.
The Vikings came into the game with a 10-1 record, defeating Paris and Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa, but losing to Western Oklahoma State College. All three games were played in December before breaking for the holidays.
It was a good start for the Vikings as they jumped out to an early lead. Madison Martin gave the Vikings their largest lead to open the second quarter, connecting on a turnaround jumper for a 24-12 lead. Frank Phillips responded with a 13-1 run to tie things up at 25, but a three from Tay Biglow gave the lead right back to Grayson at 28-25. Her three pointer jump started an 11-0 run to push the Viking lead back to double digits. Frank Phillips responded with a 7-0 run to cut the lead to four, until Niamh Chamberlain's three put the Vikings back up by seven. After a basket by Frank Phillips, Jaycee Ingram closed out the half with a layup to take a 41-34 lead into the half.
The third quarter mirrored the second quarter, with the Vikings maintaining their lead throughout and taking a five point lead into the final frame. In the fourth quarter, Frank Phillips took over the lead with just over 3:00 to play, but Martin answered back with a three pointer to take a one point lead. After a timeout, Frank Phillips scored, then Fia Filoialii hit a three of her own taking back the lead at 68-67. Frank Phillips scored the final five points of the game to send the Vikings to a narrow 72-68 defeat.
Filoialli and Martin each had 14 points to lead the Vikings in scoring. Biglow had 11 points and led the team in assists with six. Iv Jackson led the team in rebounding with six.
The Vikings game against New Mexico on Saturday was cancelled, so they'll take on Southwestern Christian on the road in the NTJCAC Conference opener on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Tip-off is set for 5pm.