AUGUSTA — Lawrence won’t have to lament a heartbreaking first-round loss in the girls’ basketball tournament to Messalonskee this year. Not even close.
Nia Irving erupted for 27 points and 12 rebounds Friday, and No. 2 Lawrence breezed to a 65-44 Class A East quarterfinal win over No. 7 Messalonskee.
Messalonskee upset Lawrence in the 7-vs.-2 skirmish a year ago, but the Bulldogs scored the final 11 points of the first quarter to put away the rematch early.
Morgan Boudreau hit a 3-pointer and a runner in the final 37 seconds of the period, then rained down another trey on the opening possession of the second stanza for a 19-4 lead.
Abby Weigang scored 11 points and Boudreau added 10 off the bench for Lawrence (18-1), which will face sixth-seeded Brunswick in Wednesday’s semifinals.
Ally Turner led Messalonskee (9-10) with nine points. Sophie Holmes and Kelsey Dillon added eight points apiece.
Irving scored the final seven points of the first half to make it 36-17. She had 16 at the break.
The Eagles had no answer for Irving or Paige Belanger in the paint from the get-go. They combined for eight points in the first period, while the Bulldogs pestered the Eagles into 2-for-12 shooting.
Lawrence never trailed after Dominique Lewis’ bank shot 3-pointer answered McKenna Brodeur’s opening basket for Messalonskee.
Jordyn Towers chipped in seven points and five assists for the Bulldogs.
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