BELMONT – After playing to a 19-19 halftime tie, the Cassville varsity girls’ basketball team was outscored, 26-17, in the second half of last Thursday night’s contest, leading to a 45-36 loss to the host Belmont Braves.

With the loss, coach Martin Kirschbaum’s squad fell to 0-9 in Six Rivers West conference play, and 2-15 overall, while the Braves improved to 5-4, 9-9 with the win.

Late in last Thursday night’s contest, Belmont took control of the game at the free throw line, where they secured a nine-point victory.

“We had chances, but every time we got close, Briana Ernst just seemed to make big play after big play, either with her passing or moves to the basket,” said coach Kirschbaum.

Ernst, who led Belmont with 21 points, was 8-of-9 from the free throw line, which proved to be huge down the final stretch.

The Comets, on the other hand, were 1-of-6 (17%) from the charity stripe, while making the same amount of field goals as the Braves with one more 3-pointer.

“We played well enough to win this game, but we hurt ourselves shooting only 1-of-6 from the line,” said Kirschbaum.

Leading the Comets with 12 points was freshman Anna Kartman, while senior Paige Johll added 11 points, after knocking down three 3-pointers in the loss.

Fellow senior Madelyn Nix played a good all-around game, finishing with five points, nine rebounds, three steals and two assists.

Following this past Tuesday night’s road game at River Ridge, the Comets will next host Benton on Friday night, then will host Seneca next Monday evening.

Belmont 45, Cassville 36

(from Thursday, Feb. 1)

Cassville 19 17 - 36

Belmont 19 26 - 45

Cassville - Anna Kartman 12, Madalyn Nix 5, Lydia Reynolds 5, Kasha Vogt 3, Paige Johll 11. Totals - 15 1-6 36.

Belmont - Althaus 8, Palzkill 11, Ernst 21, Wiegel 2, Willborn 3. Totals - 15   11-13 45.

3-point goals - C: Reynolds 1, Vogt 1, Johll 3; B: Althaus 2, Ernst 1, Wilborn 1. Team fouls - C 12, B 8. Fouled out - None.