Lowell’s margin of victory was the narrowest so far this season in the school’s league games, but the Bulldogs still barely matched the Cardinals. “Wallenberg doesn’t have the players to challenge this team,” Cardinal head coach Aki Kuwada said. “We were able to get everyone in the game. In close games sometimes we can’t.”

Although the Bulldogs scored first with two consecutive three-pointers, the Lowellites regained their focus in the second quarter, and went up 37-14 by halftime. The Cardinals led comfortably for the rest of the game, thanks to their tenacious defense. “We have a few things we need to tighten up on offense, like looking for the high percentage shot and using our speed,” sophomore center Lorna Tu’ufuli said. “But good defense always wins the games.”

The match-up was initially scheduled at the Kezar Pavilion, but was held at Wallenberg instead, due to an unexpected water leak on the court at Kezar.

Come cheer on the Cardinals at 6:30 p.m. today at the Kezar Pavilion against the Washington Eagles in the annual Battle of the Birds.