Larkin can't close out Harlem

The ability to win close basketball games often comes down to experience and execution.

Larkin's youthful girls basketball team was outscored 8-0 over the final 1:11 of the fourth quarter during its 48-44 loss to Harlem (3-0) during Wednesday night's second round of the Burlington Central Thanksgiving Classic Tournament.

"At the end of the game, you have to execute, especially in tight games," said Royals coach Steve Knapp. "That's how the playoffs are. If you want to go deep in the playoffs, you've got to win these close games."

A steal and layup by freshman Brianna Young (13 points, 4 rebounds) gave Larkin (1-1) a 44-40 lead with 1:48 remaining.

However, after the Royals misfired on the front end of a 1-and-1, Harlem junior guard Paige Schneider (18 points) connected on her sixth 3-point basket of the contest to make it 44-43 with 1:11 left.

Making matters worse, Schneider's clutch shot came on the Huskies' third attempt during a lengthy possession where the Royals couldn't secure a defensive rebound.

"Those offensive rebounds and then the 3-pointer - I think that was the point where everything started shifting back their way," said Knapp.

Freshman guard Brielle Shaw (10 rebounds) drained 4 consecutive free throws down the stretch, including a pair that put Harlem on top to stay, 45-44, with 41 seconds remaining.

"I'll give her credit," Knapp said of Shaw. "The only four points she scored were the four at the end of the game."

On the other end of the court, missed free throws proved costly for Larkin, which shot just 29 percent (5 for 17) from the line.

"If you go 50 percent, you win the game," said Knapp.

Senior guard Marlee Kyles paced the Royals with game-high totals of 19 points and 17 rebounds to go with 6 assists before fouling out with 26 seconds remaining.

"I can always improve myself and we can all improve," said Kyles, who shot 6 for 22 from the field and 4 for 7 at the free-throw line. "I just try to stay positive. If I break down, we all break down so I've got to move forward myself and then that will help them move forward as well."

Kyles had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds at halftime as the Royals held a 28-21 lead.

Schneider buried three 3-pointers during a 1:27 span in the third quarter to put Harlem on top 38-34 heading into the final 8 minutes.

"We need experience," said Knapp. "We had two freshmen (Aaliyah Dixon and Young) on the court and a junior guard (Haley Bohne) that we're relying on a lot this year."

"I think we have a really good group this year," said Kyles. "We're getting there every practice. The more we practice, the more we get better. We've got to keep going hard."

Kahley Logan added 13 points and 16 rebounds for Harlem.