Kelly Grinnell scored 23 points as the Auburn girls basketball beat Marcellus 48-39 in the championship game of the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament in Phoenix Saturday. Grinnell was named the tournament MVP as she helped the Maroons keep their playoff hopes alive - Auburn needs to win out to qualify for the Section III tournament.

Emily Felter led the Maroons with a team-high 12 rebounds to go with her her eight points, while Nikki Schattinger scored six points and came down with 10 boards. Schattinger was also named to the all-tournament team.

“Emily played a great game for us,” Auburn coach Gary Grinnell said.

Auburn's key to success was at the defensive end, as it held the Mustangs to just eight first-half points.

“We had great defensive play in the first half,” Gary Grinnell said.

The Maroons struggled from the foul lane late, allowing Marcellus back in the game. But the Mustangs never could muster enough points to make a serious charge.

“We had a comfortable lead,” Gary Grinnell said. “We rebounded well, but didn't play real well offensively. However, our defense kept us in it.”

Auburn (6-12) hosts Utica Proctor Tuesday.

Maroons 48

Mustangs 39