DALLAS — Putnam City North advanced to the finals of the Dr. Pepper Holiday Invitational by turning a tie game into a comfortable win with a 63-48 win over Dallas Lincoln Tuesday (Dec. 30).

The Panthers (11-1) and Tigers (10-8) were tied at 23-23 by halftime. Lincoln, the defending 4A Division 2 state champion in Texas, outscored North 13-8 in the second quarter.

It was the Panthers’ turn in the third quarter as they poured on the points, outscoring the Tigers, 24-9.

Senior Tehlia Kutsoati scored seven of her 12 points in the third quarter. Kutsoati also had three rebounds and an assist.

Fellow senior Kiana Gray also scored 12 points, five in the third period. Gray had two rebounds, an assist and three steals.

Senior Jayla Constant added nine points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals. She also took a charge.

Senior Paige Williams followed with eight points, a rebound and a steal. Junior Demy Howard scored six points, snagged six boards, had an assist and two steals.

Senior Da’Nae Jefferson added six points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. Senior Makiya Moore followed with five points, four rebounds and a steal.

Freshman Lyla Shomo had three points, two rebounds and took a charge. Junior Richiya Miller had two points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal.

UP NEXT

North (11-1) faces Houston Kincaid (Texas) in the Dr. Pepper Holiday Invitational title game Wednesday (Dec. 31) at 6 p.m.

The Falcons are 16-4 this season. Kincaid plays in a private school league, the Southwest Preparatory Conference, Last season, the Falcons were 28-10 and won the 4A SPC title.

	1	2	3	4	F
Putnam City North (11-1)	15	8	24	16	63
Dallas Lincoln (10-8)	10	13	9	16	48