The Washington Demons basketball teams split a double-header with Pella Tuesday night as the girls pulled out a 38-36 win while the boys fell 75-50.

Shooting was a struggle for the Demon girls early, falling into a 20-12 halftime deficit after hitting just 5-of-30 (17%) of their shots in the first half but a big third quarter closed the deficit to one at 28-27.  A back and forth final quarter saw Washington (13-4) with a two-point lead with eight second left when Johanna Vittetoe buried two free throws to seal the win for Washington, making the final bucket from the Dutch’s Regan Cooper a mute point.  Cooper finished with 21 points for Pella (9-8); Washington was lead by Laruen Vittetoe’s nine points.  Sydney Greiner, returning to action for the first time since winter break, added six points on the night as the Demons forced 21 turnovers that proved to be the difference in the game.

The Demon boys started slow as well, falling into a 12 point deficit after a quarter of play but a strong second frame closed the gap to 30-25.  Pella (9-6) was too quick and deep for the Demons (9-7) as the Dutch stretched their lead to 52-38 after three and finished the night shooting 50% from the floor.  Washington hit 32% from the floor.  Kyle Roder led the scoring with 17 points, Brock Kimball poured in 13 while Colin Steele was held to two points.

The Demons are back in action Friday night at Fort Madison as the girls look to clinch the outright conference championship with a win.  You can hear both game live on KCII radio starting at 6:00 with the Washington Hy-Vee pregame show.