After three weeks without a game, the Ignacio girls basketball team was anxious to get back on the floor.

With a stifling defense, the Bobcats had no problem taking down Class 2A San Juan Basin League foe Mancos, 63-25.

Ignacio (5-2, 20 SJBL), held the Bluejays (3-4, 0-2 SJBL) to only six points in the first half, taking a 31-6 lead at the break.

“We really came out with tenacious defense,” IHS head coach Shane Seibel said. “We hadn’t played in three weeks, so the girls were hungry and ready to let loose.”

Hilda Garcia had a big game with 17 points and five steals. The sophomore was 3-for-6 from behind the 3-point line.

IHS junior Alejandra Lujan had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in what Seibel called her best game of the year.

Seniors Chrystianne Valdez and Mirian Fernandez-Lopez each had eight points, and Valdez added four steals. Ellie Seibel had three points to go with seven rebounds and five assists.

“Everyone contributed on offense, but we hung our hat this game on our defense,” coach Seibel said. “We wanted to come out aggressive, so we came out in a full-court trap. Mancos is scrappy and doesn’t give up. Their girls played hard, and we knew we were in for a good tempo game.”

Ignacio will look to move to 3-0 in league play with a game Saturday at Telluride (0-5, 0-2 SJBL).

jlivingston@durangoherald.com