NORFOLK - Norfolk almost saw a 13-point second-half lead disappear, but made key defensive plays late to hold off Omaha Northwest, 61-56.

The Panthers led 48-35 late in the 3rd quarter, but the Huskies went on a 16-4 run into the fourth quarter to pull within one. They would get no closer.

Norfolk made a number of key defensive plays late, including a block by Nealy Brummond on a late three-point attempt by Northwest star Ale'jah Douglas that would have cut a five-point game to two.

The Panthers' defense did a great job on Douglas all night. The 5'5 senior has been averaging almost 26 points per game this season but was held to 19 points, eight of which came in the fourth quarter.

The win is Norfolk's fifth straight and has major postseason implications for both teams. Norfolk and Northwest were 15th and 16th in Class A power points respectively coming into the contest.

GAME SUMMARY:

OMAHA NW (11-9) - 13 15 14 14 - 56

NORFOLK (14-8)    - 12 22 16 11 - 61

SHOOTING STATS:

NORFOLK

 - FG: 18/41 (43.4%)

 - 3P: 5/9 (55.6%)

 - FT: 18/30 (60%)

OMAHA NW

 - FG: 20/54 (37%)

 - 3P: 5/15 (33.3%)

 - FT: 11/14 (78.6%)

INDIVIDUAL STATS:

NORFOLK

 - Jalen Hoffman: 13 pts, 8 rebs

 - Nealy Brummond: 12 pts, 3 rebs

 - Anden Baumann: 9 pts, 4 rebs

 - Makenna Skiff: 8 pts, 3 rebs

 - Erin Schwanebeck: 7 pts

 - Hailey Kleinschmit: 6 pts, 7 rebs

 - Chelsea Strom: 4 pts, 5 rebs

 - Karly Kalin: 2 pts, 1 reb

OMAHA NW

 - Ale'jah Douglas: 19 pts, 5 rebs

 - Alyssa Gappa: 12 pts, 9 rebs

 - Ravynne Wallace: 9 pts, 4 rebs

 - Brooklyn Busby: 9 pts, 2 rebs

 - Lexi Drummond: 3 pts

 - JayVeonna Williams: 2 pts, 4 rebs

 - Taylor Markussen: 2 pts, 1 reb

 - Cierra Marks: 1 reb

NEXT UP:

NORFOLK: 12/20 vs. Lincoln East

OMAHA NW: District Semi-finals