SANFORD – The third-ranked Sanford High School girls basketball team had a slow start when it resumed the season Saturday against Crested Butte at the SHS gym in the Southern Peaks League opener for both teams.

But the Mustangs made a big statement in the second half as they outscored the Titans 32-2 en route to a 43-8 win.

“It was motivation at halftime,” said Sanford coach Keith Caldon. “The girls felt like they weren’t playing to their potential and they picked it up and started playing better. They did a good job.”

Lola Wright gave Crested Butte the early lead, but that would be the only time the Titans would be on top. Brinlyn Smith tied the score, and Bella Peterson made two free throws. Smith split at the line for a 5-2 Sanford lead at the end of the first quarter.

Cecilia Naughton scored the first points of the second quarter for Crested Butte, but Journey Caldon scored in the paint for the Mustangs. Camry Casias increased the lead to 9-4, but Nora Thomas scored to cut the lead to 9-6.

Journey Caldon scored one more time in the first half and Sanford led 11-6 at the intermission.

The third quarter was all Mustangs as they scored 15 points while shutting out the Titans. Avery Koenig scored six points in the quarter, and Claire Crowther three. Makynlee Faucette, and Jewel Caldon two, while Smith and Bella Peterson both scored one.

The momentum carried into the fourth quarter as Sanford scored the first 15 points of the period. Faucette scored seven points in the run, Keira Ruggles scored three, Bella Peterson and Smith scored two and Jelissa Peterson one.

Molly Miller ended the run, but Casias scored to wrap up the scoring.

Sanford had a well-balanced offensive attack which was led by Faucette with nine points. Smith and Koenig both scored six, and Bella Peterson scored five.

Thomas led Crested Butte with four points.

Sanford (9-0, 1-0) hosted Buena Vista on Tuesday. It will travel to Fowler on Friday and to Custer County on Saturday.

Sanford 43, Crested Butte 8

Crested Butte – Crabtree 0 0-2 0, Miller 0 0-0 0, Davis 0 0-0 0, Wright 1 0-0 2, Naughton 1 0-0 2, Stewart 0 0-0 0, Thomas 2 0-0 4, Bindel 0 0-0 0, Martin 0 0-0 0, Blaisdell 0 0-0 0, Hicks 0 0-0 0, Fenlon 0 0-0 0. Total 4 0-2 8.

3-point goals – none

Sanford – Smith 2 2-4 6, Koenig 2 1-4 6, Crowther 1 0-0 3, Je. Caldon 2 0-0 4, Faucette 3 3-3 9, Jo. Caldon 2 0-0 4, Casias 2 0-0 4, B. Peterson 1 3-4 5, H. Peterson 0 0-0 0, J. Peterson 0 1-2 1, Ruggles 1 0-0 3, Larson 0 0-0 0. Total 16 10-17 43.

3-point goals – Crowther 1, Koenig 1, Ruggles 1. Total 3.

Crested Butte 2 4 0 2 – 8

Sanford 5 6 15 17 - 43

Fouls – Crested Butte 18, Sanford 5. Fouled out – Davis.