Gilbert's girls basketball team had one of those stretches Thursday night that seemed the impetus to a come-from-behind win over 5A San Tan Region rival Casteel. A 25-23 halftime deficit became a 33-25 Tigers' lead two minutes into the third period.

In the end, however, Gilbert needed - and conjured up - a second run in the fourth quarter that sealed a 58-48 victory over Casteel.

Gilbert collected its 17th victory this season against seven losses. The Tigers, #5 in the current 5A power-rankings, also took over first place in the San Tan Region with a 3-0 mark. #10 Casteel (13-8, 3-1) was in first entering the contest.

Sophomore guard Meisha Caserio paced Gilbert with 27 points - 10 in the fourth quarter. The Tigers 39-38 edge to begin the final quarter ballooned to 53-42 with 4:04 to go. Three successive layups (two by Caserio and one by Morgan Evenson) off turnovers and a fast-break halted Casteel's last rally with its deficit at the 4:04 mark growing from five to 11 in 30 seconds. Evenson joined Caserio in double figures with 12 points.

Maci Hess paced Casteel with 16 points - eight in the final quarter. Megan Jones added 12 points. Both teams are idle until Tuesday (Jan. 25) - Casteel hosts Campo Verde and Gilbert entertains Higley.

Casteel's Jacqueline Rosado (23) challenges Gilbert's Saadia Salim (44) in the low post. (Azpreps365 photo)