The Bainbridge girls basketball team got defensive in beating the Bremerton Knights 42-23 Jan. 3.

It has actually excelled on defense the past five games, holding foes to an average of 28 points a game, after allowing an average of 43 in the first four games.

Bainbridge’s defense sparked a 12-0 run to start the game. Bella Ramirez nailed two three-point shots while Ghadir Ramadan made a couple of baskets underneath.

Bremerton’s Annisa Mejia was the first Knight to score, making a free throw four minutes into the game. The Spartans ended the first quarter with a 15-5 lead after Isabelle Garcia-Kurzrock picked up four points for the Knights.

The Knights defense shut down BHS in the second period, outscoring the eventual winners 9-2 to make it 17-14.

However, Bainbridge bounced back in the third quarter, causing turnovers that led to points. Elsa Cajune made three consecutive baskets for the Spartans, including a couple of threes. The Spartans finished the third quarter on a 9-2 run and went into the fourth with a 36-19 lead.

In the final quarter, Bainbridge only gave up four points. On the other hand, they only scored six points.

Bremerton returns to the court Jan. 5 against North Kitsap while Bainbridge will play Jan. 6 against North Mason.