jhancock@journalnet.com

POCATELLO - The Century girls' basketball team finally found its rhythm during the second half of its game against Burley. Unfortunately, the Diamondbacks were unable to overcome a double-digit, first-half deficit, and the Bobcats went home with a 45-36 win on Friday.

Century was hitting on all cylinders to start the game, going on a 6-0 run during the opening 2:27. But then Burley started finding the basket, and the Cats' defense began scratching out the Diamondbacks' offense.

Burley went on a 10-0 run to close the quarter and allowed Century only four points during the second quarter.

"It was a tough start to be down 6-0 on the road," said Burley coach Gordon Kerbs. "But we didn't get down and managed to come back strong."

The Diamondbacks were down 21-10 at the half.

"Their offense is mostly set up for (Kassi Kerbs)," said Century post Brooke Dial of the Cats. "We knew if we could shut her down, they would have a tough time scoring."

In fact, it was Kerbs who sparked Burley's offense, scoring eight of the Cats' 10 points in the first quarter. She scored five more during the second quarter and had 23 on the night, slightly more than 50 percent of Burley's total points during the game.

The only area where Kerbs' game suffered Friday was at the line where she was 5-for-11 on the night. But she did go 4-for-4 from the stripe during the final minute of the game.

Century came out strong in the second half, starting the third quarter on a 7-1 run to pull within five of Burley. The Cats' defense, which smothered the Diamondbacks during the first half, allowed a scant few passes to reach inside cleanly but seemed to ease up during the first minutes of the second half.

"They were triple-teaming our post, which made it hard," Dial said. "When they doubled us outside, it was hard to get the ball to the wings. That's where we get our offense started."

Century outscored Burley 13-9 during the third quarter and closed the deficit to seven points. Going into the fourth quarter, Burley was up 30-23.

The Diamondbacks' effort for a comeback peaked with the third quarter. Century followed its 13-point performance in the third by scoring another 13 points in the fourth. But unlike its defensive effort in the third quarter, Century was unable to contain Burley, giving up 15 points in the fourth.

"We knew Century had the talent to come back," Kerbs said. "They are a tough, physical team. Their record is not an indicator of how good a team they are."

With the loss, Century falls to 5-11 on the season. The team is 1-2 in 4A Fifth District play. The Diamondbacks next play on Tuesday in their final district game against Preston, which clinched the district title on Friday.