Host holds on against Houston in T-Bird Classic

ANCHORAGE — The host East Anchorage Thunderbirds build an early lead, and held on for a 63-49 win over Houston during the first round of the East T-Bird Classic in Anchorage Thursday night.

Savannah Wells led Houston with 23 points in the loss. Wells hit five shots from the floor and finished 10 of 18 at the free-throw line. Angelique Malidore added seven points and three steals for the Hawks. Aspen Ruth pulled down a team-high five rebounds.

With the loss, Houston moved backward in the T-Bird bracket and will face Service today at 4 p.m. Service suffered a 38-26 loss to Seward Thursday.

East 63, Houston 49

East T-Bird Classic

Thursday, East Anchorage

Houston 9-13-12-15—49

East 13-20-15-15—63

Houston (49) — Malidore 3 1-3 7, Ruth 2 1-2 5, Nida 0 4-6 4, Wells 5 10-18 23, Apangalook 0 2-4 2, Barber 2 1-2 5, Quincy 0 3-4 3; Totals: 12 22-39 49.

East (63) — Villarreal 1 1-5 3, Scaife 3 1-5 10, Makihele 1 0-0 2, Pedro 1 3-7 5, Suaava 4 1-2 10, Motuga 3 4-6 11, Richard 1 3-3 5, Page 7 2-4 17; Totals: 21 15-34 63.

3-point field goals: Houston 3 (Wells 3), East 6 (Scaife 3); Total fouls: Houston 26, East 28; Fouled out: Houston- Malidore, Barber.