Both teams are deep and talented. But Career just had a little more of both in its 61-53 win over the Branford.

Four Panthers scored in double figures, led by Nicole Bentley's 17 points off the bench.

Branford cut the Career lead to six points early in the fourth quarter, but that's as close as the Hornets would get.

"They executed better than us," Branford coach Ted Kaczynski said. "They were more patient than us on offense. We couldn't get close enough to put some pressure on them."

Speaking of pressure, Branford did do a superb job of handling Career's defensive pressure. That was a concern coming in. But the Hornets problem was after they did break down the defense, they had trouble finishing.

Courtney Schissler led Branford with 19 points and Brittany Kenney added 17 points. Kendall Milles chipped in with eight points.

The teams will meet again on Feb. 1. That will likely decide the SCC Oronoque Division race.

"We certainly showed we can play with them," Kaczynski said. "We just have to bring our A game."