Bethlehem Catholic’s girls basketball team withstood the bumps and bruises to survive and advance in the PIAA Class 5A state tournament after defeating Villa Maria (Malvern), 51-42, on March 11 at Norristown High school.

“I think we wanted it more,” said Becahi forward Ayva Radande. “It was really physical. That was probably the most physical game I ever played. The refs let us play, and that’s the good thing about it. [Defense] was crucial. After halftime, we settled down a little bit, but that’s what we needed to step up to secure the win.”

A back-and-forth first quarter ended on a high note for the Golden Hawks when Aliyah Brame took the inbound pass with five seconds left and drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer for a one-point lead.

“Coming off the bench, I was taking a sip of water, and then Coach subbed me in quick,” said Brame. “It was something we practice. Late game situations. Just make sure we’re getting the shot, and Brooklyn (Lewis) set a great screen for me, so I was able to get a clear shot.”

The game took a more physical turn in the second quarter as the Hawks jumped out to an eight-point lead.

Lewis intercepted two Villa Maria passes, and Leah Ault ripped the ball away from the opposition that resulted in a layup by Kamryn Gallis.

Villa Maria guard Sophia Tray was on the receiving end of most of Becahi’s defensive intensity but came up with 10 points in the third quarter.

Becahi responded with points from Brame, Kendall Nickischer, Gallis, Lewis, and Avaughna Gordon to keep a comfortable lead.

The Hurricanes went on a 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter that put the Hawks on notice, and Beca failed to score until the 3:56 mark on a triple by Gallis.

“We always preach to weather the storm,” said Brame. “Defensive pressure has to rise during those moments, and we did that pretty well. We have to match the other team’s intensity and then raise it, and we have to understand how the refs are calling the game.”

Brame scored the last points of the game on a downcourt pass from Nickischer.

“I told the girls we’re the better team,” said Becahi coach Arnold Alleyne. “I felt we played a strong 3 1/2 quarters. We got a little bit out of ourselves. They were able to make a little run, but we were able to stop the bleeding and finish the game, so I’m proud we were able to survive and advance.”

Coach Alleyne made several substitutions throughout the intense battle.

“I gave credit to Avaughna Gordon,” he said. “She played good minutes because when you’re running up and down, these kids get tired, so I have to be able to sub and trust somebody else to come in and make big shots, and she did. Those were shots in key moments and fresh legs are huge.”