Webb City pulled away from fourth-seeded Neosho in the fourth quarter 53-28 to wrap up the first round in the 15th annual Freeman/Lady Eagle Classic on Thursday night.

Defending champion Webb City outscored old rival Neosho 19-3 in the fourth quarter.

Both offenses were cold in the third quarter with the winner managing to post a 6-2 scoring advantage.

Said Cardinal coach Brad Shorter: "We did a good job defensively. We also boxed out well. The defense was tough in the second half.

"Early, we shot the ball too quickly," Shorter said.

Webb City sophomore Mikaela Burgess sank three treys among 21 points. She had 14 and Megan Heman added five off the bench to key the Cardinals' halftime lead.

It was 17-all in the second quarter when Webb City scored three baskets in a row to take the lead for good. Providing the baskets were Alyssa Williams, Lacy Resa and Kaitlin Beason.

The Cardinals, leading by six points in the third quarter, received five points in a row from Kambrey Cooper. She drilled a trey at about 2:35 and it was just the fourth point of the quarter for the Cardinals to illustrate a stretch of missed shots and turnovers.