(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photo) Niagara sophomore Morgan Borchardt dribbles towards the basket in the second half Tuesday night. Lena's Makynna Herald (14) defends Borchardt in the M&O Conference game in Niagara.

NIAGARA, Wis. — Coming out in their usual 3/4- to full-court press, Niagara forced several turnovers and got out to an early double-digit lead and never looked back against Lena on Tuesday.

The Lady Badgers defeated the Wildcats 60-27 in Marinette-Oconto Conference girls basketball action.

Senior Alyssa Cretton netted a game-high 20 points, while sophomore Josie Rock drained four triples on her way to 18 points.

To go along with their defensive pressure, the Badgers’ long-range shooting was accurate when Lena collapsed on Cretton as she drove to the basket.

Niagara led 27-12 early, extending their lead to 33-17 at the intermission. The Badgers went on a 12–2 scoring run in the first 4:30 of the second half to put the game away.

“The girls played hard tonight, coming off of a strenuous game last (Monday) night at Laona. I was a bit worried how they’d react tonight, but they hustled and played well,” said Niagara head coach Karl Lamoreaux.

Many of the Badgers’ first half baskets, came off of steals in their press. “The weak side of our press, hustles back and got a lot of our steals around half court,” Lamoreaux added.

The amount of fouls the Badgers committed concerns Lamoreaux.

“We need to move our feet more and that will clean itself up,” he said.

Chaela Rabas led the Wildcats with 10 points on the night. Niagara, who also won the JV game, improves to 3-3 on the season.

The Badgers host M&O Conference foe St. Thomas Aquinas Saturday evening in game two of a varsity- only doubleheader. The STAA and Niagara boys teams play at 3:30 p.m., prior to the girls game.

Niagara remains home for the last game before the Christmas holiday as they host Wausaukee on Tuesday night in M&O Conference action.

Lena 17 10 — 27

Niagara 33 27 — 60

LENA: McNurlen 1, Marquardt 4, Magee 2, Brooks 4, Potter 2, Koslowsky 1, W. Potter, 3, Rabas 10. FT: 9-20; F: 17; 3-point FG: Rabas 2; Fouled Out: None.

NIAGARA: Rock 18, Cretton 20, Wells 2, Borchardt 7, Pearson 5, Allred 8; FT: 9-17; F: 18; 3-point FG: Rock 4, Borchardt; Fouled Out: Champagne.