Arguably two of the best teams in 3A squared off on the hardwood in the Warrior Pavilion at Tuba City on Thursday night.

When 32 minutes of action was completed, No. 6 Tuba City Lady Warriors erupted for 32 points in the fourth quarter to post a 55-43 victory over No. 4 Winslow Lady Bulldogs in a freedom game.

Earlier this season in Winslow, the Lady Bulldogs posted a victory over the Lady Warriors.

The tempo of the game was slow through three periods of play. Winslow held a 28-23, before Tuba City rallied in the fourth quarter for the victory.

Winslow head coach said free throws in the fourth quarter was the difference in the outcome of the game.

"Most of their points (32 in the fourth quarter), came on free throws that we had to foul on," Jordan said.

Tuba City canned 12 of 13 attempts from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter. The Lady Warriors knocked down 19 of 27 attempts for the game.

Winslow netted 9 of 23 attempts for the contest.

Tuba City led 11-10 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Warriors outscored the Lady Bulldogs, 8-7, in the second stanza to take a 19=17 halftime lead.

Winslow turned in a strong third quarter. The Lady Bulldogs outscored Tuba City, 11-4, to take the lead when the third frame expired.

Larissa Yazzie poured in 15 points for Tuba City. Graycee Curley added 13 points and Jayda Chee poured in 10 points for the Lady Warriors.

"Both teams played very hard in the second freedom game between our teams," Jordan said. "We split the meetings with both of our teams winning at home."

Freshman Kylie Begay tallied 18 points to pace Winslow.

Jordan was concerned about junior point guard Brianna Little's injury. Little was injured early in the first quarter and did not return to the game.

"I am hoping that she (Brianna Little) will be ready to play on Saturday at Kayenta Monument Valley, but that is to be determined," Jordan said.

Winslow, 15-3 overall, 3-0 region, travel to Kayenta to face the Monument Valley Lady Mustangs, 6-12 overall, 0-4 region, this Saturday at 6 p.m. in a freedome contest.

Tuba City, 13-4 overall, 4-1 region, will be across the street, facing nearby Greyhills Academy Lady Knights today at 6 p.m. in a freedom game at 6 p.m.

Boys

Winslow 75, Tuba City 49

Winslow routed Tuba City, 75-49, in the boy's contest.

Winslow took a three-point advantage, 18-15, at the end of the first quarter. The Bulldogs turned in a strong second quarter. Winslow poured in 20 points, while Tuba City managed 12 points. Winslow took a 38-27 halftime lead.

Winslow and Tuba City both netted 14 points in the third quarter. The Bulldogs held a 52-41 advantage at the end of three periods of action. Winslow turned up the heat in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs scorched the cords for 23 points and Tuba City netted eight points during the final eights minutes of the game.

Winslow head coach Scott Corum said the Bulldogs are starting to get into the pre-Christmas break groove.

"We are doing a better job hitting the offensive boards, executing our offense communicating on defense," Corum said. "In tonight's game, we got off to a great start, spurred by Eli Stewart's 16 first half points. When we opened up our lead, our bench players went into the game and were able to maintain the big lead."

Darius James led Winslow, pumping in 24 points. Eli Stewart added 16 points, followed by Dustin Richard with 11 points.

No. 6 Winslow, 14-4 overall, 2-1 region, travel to Kayenta to meet the Monument Valley Mustangs, 12-5 overall, 2-2 region, in a freedom game this Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Tuba City, 4-11 overall, 0-5 region, take on the Greyhills Knights today at 7:30 p.m. in a freedom game.