Following an overtime thrilling victory against Ozark, the Eagles traveled west to face Carl Junction for a highly-anticipated conference matchup.

Carl Junction's defense and the play of their McDonald's All-American nominee Destiny Buerge's 30 points allowed the Bulldogs to escape with a 56-43 victory. 

After two minutes elapsed in the first quarter, Carl Junction jumped out to an early 7-0 lead at the 5:51 mark of the period. 

Nixa got out to a slow start as the Eagles were not able to score until Norah Clark sank a pull-up jumper with 5:33 remaining in the opening period.

The Eagles were burdened for much of the night by missed shots, despite quality looks at the basket. However, Karis Ferguson came in off the bench for Nixa in the first quarter and gave Nixa a much-needed spark, especially from deep.

With 2:06 left in the first quarter, Ferguson knocked down a 3-pointer from the top of the key and then drained another trey on the ensuing possession for Nixa to bring the Eagles within four.

Nixa ramped up its defensive intensity after Ferguson's big shots, closing out the quarter in a full court press. The Bulldogs wrapped up the first quarter with a seven-point lead, as they were up 18-11.

The Eagles continued the second quarter providing strong defensive efforts. Lilly Mahy forced a Carl Junction turnover with 6:10 to go, and Jacy Bray stole a pass with 5:43 remaining in the quarter. Bray's steal was one of 13 on the night for the Eagles.

The press narrowed Nixa's deficit to four midway through the second period, as the Bulldogs led 21-17 at the 5:16 mark. At halftime, Carl Junction possessed a 26-19 lead over Nixa. Norah Clark was Nixa's leading scorer with eight points at the break. 

The Eagles continued to be plagued by missed shots midway into the third, but Clark nailed a deep 3-pointer from the perimeter with 5:43 left in the quarter, which brought Nixa back within four points of the Bulldogs.

Nixa kept battling all night, and the fight was there. Sadie Conway swished in a 3-pointer from the wing to force a Bulldog timeout with 4:27 to go in the third period. The Eagles remained within a seven-point deficit of Carl Junction, though.

The Bulldogs eventually pulled away from the Eagles, as Carl Junction closed out the third quarter with a 12-point lead.

From there, Carl Junction did not look back and handed Nixa its first conference loss. Clark finished with a team-high 15 points and eight rebounds, and Brooke Teter followed with 10 off the bench. 

Nixa girls basketball is currently sitting at an overall 11-3 record, 1-1 in conference play. 

Box Score:
Carl Junction 18 | 8 | 17 | 13 | 56
Nixa 11 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 43