If Knoxville’s Rikki Hall was playing with a sour stomach last night, she did not show it in the final seconds as she made a driving layup with three seconds remaining to give Knoxville a 46-45 win over Pella in girls basketball. Knoxville was impressive to start the game jumping out to an early lead and by late in the first half had a 16 point lead courtesy of an 18-3 run. However Pella would respond by going on an 11-1 run to get back in the game early on the third. From there on, neither team had the lead by more than six points. Knoxville Coach Jim Utiermarkt said the first quarter was key to the Panthers success. Pella got back into the game playing good defense to start the third quarter and outscoring Knoxville 16-5 in the third frame to take a one point lead 32-31 into the final eight minutes of play. Knoxville was led by Meredith Cunningham with 17 points Hall contributed nine. For Pella, Jessica Holterhaus who was shut out in the first half responded with 14 second half points to lead Pella. Knoxville improves to 7-10 on the season and breaks a three game losing streak and goes to 3-7 in the Little Hawkeye Conference. Pella falls to 7-11 and 4-6 in conference play. Knoxville travels to Des Moines to take on Albia in Wells Fargo Arena this afternoon at three while Pella hosts Fairfield tonight.

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