Photos by Phil Roina

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The St. Francis basketball team pulled out a 58-54 victory over Davis in front of Golden 1 Center non-playoff high school event record 1,900 fans in the first game of a doubleheader at the downtown arena Friday night.

“We are really excited to beat Davis,” said senior Marlee Nicolos, who finished with a team-best 15 points. “Obviously it was a really big game and we were really happy all of our friends and family got to come watch us at Golden 1.”
The Troubies improved to 2-0 in Delta League play a 6-6 overall with the win.

“We were really had to watch their threes, it was a focus of ours,” said Nicolos. “Three players scored all of their points so we really had to lock them up on offense and get quick turnovers and get do counter attacks.”

The Blue Devil trio of Cristina Oliva (21 points), Kelsey Forrester (20) and Alex Agnew (11) combined for 52 of the 54 points by Davis (5-8). But the more balanced St. Francis offensive attack featured nine players in the scoring column.

Junior Jorie Keitges paced the Troubadours out of the gate, scoring five points in the first quarter as SF took a 16-11 lead. The teams played even in the second as Nika Bagatelos hit the first two of her three triples in the contest as SF led 29-26 at the break.

“It was amazing atmosphere playing here with all the fans in the big gym,” said Bagatelos. “To get our win against our rivals is the best thing ever.”

The game was supported by 1,900 fans for the doubleheader, smashing the previous record for a similar event in the arena of 1,200 fans.

The Troubadours held Davis to nine points in the third, extending the lead to seven points. Nicolos contributed two baskets in the quarter along with a pair from Megan Austin.

Sophomore Mia Fleming-Mullins added two baskets in the decisive fourth period and junior Lauren Pank sank two crucial free throws to the seal the game late.

“I was nervous but I was also really excited,” said Fleming-Mullins. “I think my nerves helped me get in the situation.”

Keitges finished with 11 points for the Troubadours, while BAgatelos had nine. Austin added six and Logan Kelly chipped in five points.

St. Francis hosts two home games this week starting with Elk Grove on Tuesday. The junior varsity team tips off the action at 5:30 p.m. on campus.

St. Francis 58, Davis 54

SF – Nicolos 15, Keitges 11, Bagatelos 9, Ausint 6, Kelly 5, Williams 4, Fleming-Mullins 4, Pank 2, Lopez 2. Davis – Oliva 21, Forrester 20, Agnew 11, Beal 2.