OKLAHOMA CITY — As most of the area residents settled in to watch Oklahoma play for a national championship in football, the Norman High girls were making sure fans didn’t forget it was basketball season.

In the first round of the Lady Jaguar Classic, the second-ranked Tigers thrashed Mustang 66-20 at Westmoore. Though they had the Broncos overmatched from the opening tip-off, NHS coach Matilda Mossman was not impressed with her team’s performance.

“We had a hard time getting into rhythm,” Mossman said. “We missed a lot of shots.”

The Tigers were able to light up the scoreboard, but it was their defense that had the Broncos perplexed. With 4 minutes left in the first half, Mustang had only two points. Chelsea Key, Laren Vanderpool and Kamra King keyed the defensive surge as they pressured the opposing guards all over the court.

The Tigers led 25-6 at half-time.

NHS kept up the pressure in the second half and didn’t let Mustang make things close.

Nikki Woodward scored eight points to lead Mustang. The Tigers’ Jeannie Ramon had a game-high 14 points. Ashley Bruner added 11 and King scored 10.

NHS will face Putnam City North at 5:15 today in the tournament semifinals. The Panthers knocked off No. 8 Sapulpa 52-49 in overtime to secure a spot.

“P.C. North is the hot team right now,” Mossman said. “They beat Edmond Memorial this week and now Sapulpa … two wins against top-10 teams. We have to play much, much better.”

Carl Albert 46,

Westmoore 34

The Jaguars fell behind 11-2 in the first quarter and were on their way to being blown out in the first round of their own tournament. But they were able to get within three points at halftime behind the post play of Kabria Harker and Alex Gary.

However, in the second half, Carl Albert turned its defense up and pulled away late.

The Titans were led by junior Kylie Mayes, who posted 17 points in the victory. Madison Tollison added 14 and Jourdan Clark chipped in 12.

Harker paced the Jags with 10 points. Gary and Emille Walker each scored eight.