By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

NEW ORLEANS — West St. John hung tough on the road for three quarters, but Karr was too tough in the fourth quarter in capturing a 65-41 victory on Tuesday night.

The Cougars outscored the Rams (5-5) 25-4 in the fourth quarter to blow the game open.

West St. John had trouble with the Karr pressure once its starting guards, Shantell Pablo and Ambria Major, fouled out of the game in the final period.

“We were nip and tuck with them and we broke their press for the most part in the first three quarters,” said West St. John coach Lester Smith. “Once we got into foul trouble, though, they took advantage and got a few easy baskets.”

Kyla Morris led WSJ with 13 points. Talar Lewis scored eight.

Karr led 26-25 at halftime and 40-37 after three quarters.

The Cougars were able to supplement a below average shooting performance in the first half by being aggressive and getting to the line. Karr made seven first half shots from the field, adding 12 more at the line.

Smith said that learning how to stay out of foul trouble will be key once district play begins later this month.

He also compared Karr to some strong inter-district challenges the Rams will face, like White Castle and Christian Life.

“It’s why I scheduled them,” said Smith. “I wanted to see how we’d respond to a team like that.

“We played well for the most part, but it shows us that we can’t afford to pick up bad fouls or turn it over.”