Blue Eagles Claim LVC North Division Title

The Blue Eagles had plenty of incentive going into last night's game against Northampton: beat a nemesis on their home court, finish the regular season with an eight-game winning streak, and head into next week's Lehigh Valley Championship on a winning note.

All missions accomplished.

Senior Erika Livermore was dominant inside and the Blue Eagle defense stifled the Lady Koncrete Kids as Nazareth claimed a 37-33 victory to finish a sparkling 18-3 regular season.

It was all Northampton early as they raced out to a 15-4 lead.

Following a timeout,the Blue Eagles scored the last two baskets of the first quarter and found themselves down by only seven despite being outplayed.

The second quarter was a different story as the Nazareth defense held Northampton scoreless for nearly five minutes.

A turnaround jumper by Livermore gave the Blue Eagles their first lead late in the second quarter. A last second shot by Northampton put the Koncrete Kids back on top 21-19 at the half.

Nazareth continued to stymie the Northampton attack and Livermore scored eight straight points to put the Blue Eagles up by five heading into the fourth stanza.

Northampton battled back as they ripped off a 7-0 run to tie the game at 30.

Livermore responded with a three point play with a little over a minute left to keep Nazareth in the lead.

Livermore,who ended up with 24 points and 12 rebounds, looked back and looked ahead.

"Beating Northampton at their place is huge," she said. "We had lost six straight games to them, and now we can get ready for the playoffs. We are excited."

Nazareth coach Rick Bickert was wary of fatigue coming in.

"This was our fourth game of the week," He said.  "We were already in the playoffs, but our defense was outstanding and we got a monkey off our back."

The Blue Eagles will face Parkland in the LVC tournament's semifinal round Tuesday night at Freedom High School.  Game start is either 5:45 p.m. or 7 p.m.

Check Nazareth Patch for the final details.