SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Top-seeded Sidney flexed its defensive prowess in a commanding 57-16 victory over No. 8 Alliance in the opening round of the Western Conference Girls Basketball Tournament Thursday afternoon at Cougar Palace on the campus of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff.

The Lady Raiders forced 38 turnovers and outrebounded the Bulldogs, 33-20.

Despite scoring just 15 points in the first half, Sidney’s balanced scoring attack - led by senior Carli Black's 10 points - help the Raiders gain control in the second half and never look back, scoring 42 points in the final two quarters. Junior Kierra Schrader and senior Ashlynn Weinbender each finished with eight points. and eight points, respectively. Sophomore Regan Nesbitt chipped in seven points.

Senior Macey Seebohm led Alliance with 10 points.  

It was Sidney's 40th consecutive regular season win over Alliance, second this season. The last time the Bulldogs beat the Lady Raiders in the regular season was on Feb. 19, 2010. Led by Husker Hall-of-Famer Jordan Hooper, Alliance defeated Sidney in the first round of the state tournament that season. 

The Lady Raiders (13-4) advance to the Western Conference Tournament semifinals vs. North Platte at 3:30 p.m. Friday. The Bulldogs defeated Chadron, 62-46, in the first round. Sidney topped North Platte, 41-27, on Jan. 18. Friday's game will be available on Cheyenne County Country (1340 AM, 95.7 FM, newschannelnebraska.com and the free NCN app).

Alliance will square-off against the Cardinals in the consolation bracket at 4 p.m. Friday at Gering High School.

Boys: Sidney 68, North Platte 32

Four players scored in double figures and the Sidney Red Raiders defeated North Platte, 68-32, in the first round of the boys Western Conference Tournament Thursday night at Scottsbluff High School.

Alek Doty led the Raiders with 22 points. Lance Holly added 14, Landon Riddle had 13 and Keian Kaiser chipped in 10.

Sidney plays Alliance in the semifinals at 5 p.m. at WNCC's Cougar Palace on Cheyenne County Country. The Bulldogs defeated Mitchell, 58-41.