The usual tight game between Bethlehem Catholic and Nazareth’s girls basketball teams only lasted for five minutes after which the Golden Hawks took off for a 60-46 victory over the Blue Eagles on Dec. 15 at Becahi.

“We’ve always played Nazareth tough. They’ve always played us tough. Every year we’ve played them, it’s been a battle,” said Becahi coach Arnold Alleyne. “We stressed rebounding the basketball, and the girls responded.”

The Hawks doubled the Eagles’ points by halftime with a 32-16 lead.

Becahi guard Cici Hernandez had a game high 26 points that included six 3-pointers.

Also in double digits for the Hawks was Aliyah Brame with 12 points.

Nazareth’s top scorer was Sam Baker with 14 points.

This week, Becahi will take on last year’s PIAA Class 4A state champion Lansdale Catholic.

“They’re a very strong program, and we want to continue to play against challenging opponents to help us prepare for the end-of-the-season run,” Coach Allyene said. “I’m looking forward to being able to see how we are compared to how they are. They’re the barometer, and we’re trying to just get better.”

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 at Becahi.