The Burnaby South Rebels put up big numbers to move on to the semifinals of the Crehan Cup girls' basketball championships at Kitsilano on Monday.
But the No. 3-seeded Rebels will have to shore up a loose defence if they want to have any chance of beating North Shore No. 2 Argyle on Thursday at home.
South played loosey-goosey with the Killarney Cougars in the first half before putting away the Vancouver No. 4 seed 91-59 on Monday.
Manpreet Nijjar led the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Stephanie Labb had 13 points and eight assists. Point guard Pavneet Brar chipped in with 18 points, including four three-pointers.
Grade 9 forward Ana Luckic contributed 12 points, while Jasmine Manhas had 11.
Despite few problems scoring on offence, South went into halftime with a mere 41-35 lead after allowing Killarney too many second-chance opportunities.
But the Rebels kept on the attack in the second half, opening the third quarter with a 28-12 advantage.
South's Desiree Lister had a big fourth quarter, scoring 13 of her 14 game points in the final frame. Lister also registered a double-double, nabbing 10 rebounds, with five off the offensive glass.
The Rebels take on Argyle at home on Thursday. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Elsewhere at the Lower Mainland girls' tournament, Burnaby Mountain lost its first-round matchup 64-59 to Killarney.
The Mountain Lions play today (Tuesday) after school at Kitsilano against the host school. Game time is 3:15 p.m.
