FORT DODGE—West Bend-Mallard let a big first half lead get away, but held off a late rally to defeat the St. Edmond Gaels 54-50 on Thursday, Jan. 30 in a non-conference girls basketball contest to earn their 12^th victory of the season.

The purple-and-gold jumped out to a 15-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, led 31-23 at the halftime break and took a 41-29 advantage into the final eight minutes.