Some losses stick with you longer than others.
Argo senior Chatori Tyler took the floor Thursday against host Richards with a little bit of a chip on her shoulder.
The Argonauts’ last South Suburban Conference loss occurred two seasons ago at Richards, and resulted in the two teams tying for the Red Division title.
“It sure did,” Tyler said with a smile. “We talked about that in the locker room before the game, actually. This being my senior year, I wanted to get some type of win on this floor.”
Tyler made sure they did and then some as the Argonauts prevailed 60-49.
The 5-foot-9 forward contributed 22 points and 15 rebounds for Argo (19-6, 12-0). Tadriana Heard added 11 points, while sisters Rebeka and Montserrat Tovar had 10 points each.
Halle Idowu totaled 28 points and six rebounds for Richards (17-6, 7-4).
Tyler was taken by surprise by one stat.
“Woo, 15 rebounds?” Tyler said. “I didn’t know I had that many. That feels great.
“Defense was our main priority in this game. Richards is not a bad team at all, and defense was a key to the win.”
Argo needs a victory Thursday over Shepard to complete two consecutive undefeated conference seasons.
“We just want it more,” Heard said. “That’s why we’re in the position we’re in. It’s a great feeling.”
When push came to shove, Heard came up big for the Argonauts.
After a slow start out of the gate, Richards chipped away at what had been a double-digit deficit. With Idowu leading the way, the Bulldogs were still within 51-47 with 5:05 left in the fourth quarter.
Heard responded with a driving bank-in. Then, after a Richards miss, she brought the ball down the court and while on the drive threw a dart to teammate Selena Guerra, who converted the layup.
“That pass to Selena … I liked that one,” Heard said. “I really look for my teammates during a game. When I have to score I score, but I mostly try to get my teammates involved.”
Richards’ ultimate undoing was a dry spell over the final five minutes of nine straight scoreless possessions.
Until then, the Bulldogs were playing with a flair.
“We competed,” Idowu said. “They may have thought that because we were struggling recently that we weren’t going to come out and fight. But we did.
“It was great. I love going against competitive people because it only makes me better. But we’ll finish (conference) strong, and then look forward to the playoffs.”
Twitter @tbaranek