A strong shooting third quarter propelled the Chinle Lady Wildcats to a 43-31 victory over the Holbrook Lady Roadrunners in a girl's basketball season opener in Holbrook on Monday night.

In boy's action, Holbrook's defense stymied Chinle's offense in the second half, as the Roadrunners posted a 55-45 win in a freedom game.

GIRLS

CHINLE 43, HOLBROOK 31

Chinle outscored Holbrook, 12-5, in the third period to take a 27-16 lead. The fourth frame was close as the Lady Wildcats outscored the Lady Roadrunners, 16-15 for a 12-point win.

Chinle held a two-point advantage, 9-7, at the end of the first period. The Lady Wildcats outscored the Lady Roadrunners, 6-4, for a 15-11 halftime lead.

Chinle head coach Fran McCurtain said the Lady Wildcats did a great in following the game plan and communiating great team work and effort.

"There was a time when Holbrook caught up, but we held our ground and stop making turnovers," McCurtain said. "(Our) seniors helped lead the way by talking. Great job Lady 'Cats."

Sophomore Aisha Ashley paced Chinle offensively, canning 11 points, Shaundiin Yazzie contributed nine points for Chinle.

Holbrook, 0-1, travel to Window Rock to face the Lady Scouts, 0-0, on Tuesday, December 3, for a freedom game ball game at 6 p.m. in the Events Center.

Chinle, 1-0, will be on the road at Pinon, to take on the Lady Eagles on Tuesday, December 3 in a freedom game at 6 p.m.

BOYS

HOLBROOK 55, CHINLE 45

Holbrook jumped out to a seven point advantage, 17-10, at the end of the first quarter and held off Chinle for the remaining three periods to post a 55-45 victory in a freedom game in Holbrook on Monday night.

Chinle stormed back in the second quarter, outscoring Holbrook, 18-12, to cut the Roadrunners' lead to one point, 29-28, at halftime.

Chinle could muster four points, while Holbrook managed 11 points in the third stanza. The Roarunners increased its lead to 40-32 as the third period expired.

Holbrook outscored Chinle, 16-13, in the fatal fourth quarter to post a 10-point win.

Free throw shooting played a huge part in the game. Holbrook made 15-of-27 from the charity line. Chinle canned 14-of-18 free throws.

Chinle head coach Raul Mendoza said both teams played hard on both ends of the court.

"We just could not convert on offense in critical situations in the secon half and Holbrook prevailed in the game," Mendoza said.

Eric Baldonado led Holbrook offensively, knocking down 18 points. Kobi Koerperich and Damien Clark both tallied 12 for the Roadrunners.

Chinle's Cooper Burbank canned 16 points and Kylen Yazzie netted 14 points.

Holbrook, 1-0, will be on the road at Window Rock to face the Scouts, 0-0, on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Events Center.

Chinle, 0-1, meets Pinon Eagles on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Pinon.