PHOENIX, Ariz. – Senior Angie Ortiz scored eight points as St. Francis opened the 2015 Nike Tournament of Champions with a 63-24 win over Wilson (Ore.) High School at the Salvation Army KROC Center.

St. Francis (5-0) used an 18-2 run to start the second half to pull away from the Trojans after leading by 10 at the half. Junior Janae Fairbrook hit four second-half three-pointers as part of her team-high 15 points to go with five assists, three steals and two blocks.

“I thought we really picked up the defensive intensity, got more ball pressure and created deflections in the passing lanes,” said Head Coach Vic Pitton. “We were off to the races and once we get in transition the points become a lot easier.”

The Troubadours posted a 25-point third quarter while holding Wilson to one basket and three points in the third and nine points overall in the second half.

Senior Lauren Craig added 14 points and 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Senior Kyra Huffman contributed 13 points and seven boards.

Senior Angie Ortiz scored the first two baskets of the game to help the team to a 10-2 start off the opening tip.

“It is always good to start the game off with energy,” said Ortiz, who finished with eight points. “With a good start we can have a good end.”

Wilson pulled within four in the second quarter but SF built the lead back to 10 at the break.

“She played very aggressively and I thought she did some real nice things out there,” said Pitton of Ortiz. “She got us ignited and played some great defense on the ball which is not what she is typically doing 40-feet from the basket. It was a great experience for her.”

St. Francis advances to the winner’s bracket side of the Gold Division against the winner of the Lutheran (Colo.) and Red Mountain (Ariz.) first round game at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

St. Francis 63, Wilson (Ore.) 24 – Nike Tournament of Champions

SF – Fairbrook 15, Craig 14, Huffman 13, Ortiz 8, Nicolos 4, Razo 4, Williams 3, Koerwitz 2. W –Reed 8, Hinkley 6, Hogan 6, Kresl 2, Lartra 2.