Pressure defense allowed host Cassopolis to pick up a 51-31 BCS Athletic Conference non-divisional win over Bridgman Thursday night.

The Bees had the advantage on the inside, so Rangers’ coach Nat Pittman decided to pressure the Bridgman guards.

It worked out perfectly as Cassopolis forced numerous turnovers, which led to easy baskets and a 20-7 halftime advantage.

The Bees tried to make a run at the Rangers in the third, but still ended up trailing by 13 (32-19) heading to the final quarter.

“I’m glad that happened,” Pittman said. “Now they know what it takes at both ends of the floor. We have got to learn to stay tough on defense and stay patient on offense.”

Cassopolis outscored Bridgman 19-12 in the final eight minutes to cruise home with the win.

Kaylynn Forester and Kortenei Suggs both scored 11 points to lead the Rangers and all scorers. Cassopolis also got six points from Nakiela Sinclair and Erica Williams.

Ashley Crowder led the Bees with six points.

“I’m pretty pleased with the girls,” Pittman said. “The played hard and they did what we asked them to do.”

Cassopolis is now off until after the Christmas break. The Rangers will be back in action Jan. 9 when they host Centreville in a BCS East Division contest.

 

CASSOPOLIS 51, BRIDGMAN 31

Bridgman 31

Madelynne Keller 3, Rebeka Enders 1, Jordan Jones 0, Julie Jasper 4, Jasmine Jones 2, Becca Stemm 4, Brooke Janes 2, Ashley Crowder 6, Kesley Gnodtke 9. TOTALS: 13 4-17 31

Cassopolis 51

Kaylynn Forrest 11, Brittney Prestly 3, Kortenei Suggs 11, Madeline Ruff 2, Aidan Traynor 4, Jayne Butts 6, Nakiela Sinclair 4, Ky’ana Buck 2, Erica Williams 6, Kayla Rowan 2. TOTALS: 19 12-27 57

 

Bridgman       5          7          19       31

Cassopolis      14       20       32       51

3-point baskets: Bridgman 1 (Keller, Cassopolis 1 (Prestly). Total fouls (fouled out): Bridgman 20 (Jones), Cassopolis 19 (none).