STEPHENSON — The Big Bay de Noc Black Bears girls basketball team took a loss on the road Tuesday night as the Stephenson Eagles defeated them 40-33 in Stephenson.

After a solid start to stay within five points, 13-8, of Stephenson, the Black Bears had two quarters that took them out of contentions, said head coach Bob Pederson.

“The second and third quarter killed us. No ball movement, poor shot selection and too many turnovers,” said Pederson. “I’m proud of the effort in the fourth quarter. We got the game to within six points but couldn’t get any closer.”

Alix Bleau led the Big Bay squad in scoring with 15 points. Camryn Pederson also had nine on a trio of triples.

“Alix kept us in the game,” coach Pederson said. “She rolled her ankle in the middle of the fourth quarter but only took a short break and went right back out there.”

The Black Bears will host Maplewood Baptist for their next game. That contest will be played in their home gym in Garden Corners on Jan. 13.

Big Bay de Noc 8 2 6 17 — 33

Stephenson 13 14 10 3 — 40

Big Bay de Noc — Bleau 15, Pederson 9, Jones 4, Nedeau 3, Caloutte 2; FT: 6-14; Fouled out: Pederson; 3-point field goals: Pederson 3, Bleau, Nedeau.

Stephenson — Havelka 12, Johnson 8, Cappaert 6, Paidl 4, Vista 4, Ruleau 2, Prestin 2, Strahl 2; FT: 4-5; Fouled out: None.