SMITHFIELD - An 18-minute gap in one of his Watergate tapes dealt Richard Nixon's presidency a telling blow. A 14-minute drought didn't have any political ramifications for Louisburg's girls basketball team Tuesday afternoon.

But it was enough for West Johnston to break open a tight game and roll to a 64-22 victory in the consolation contest of the Johnston County Christmas Invitational.

Led by a balanced attack headed by all-tournament selection Tatiana Dixon, the Wildcats took advantage of the Warriors dry spell in rebounding from a first-round loss to county rival Smithfield-Selma.

Holding a tenuous 17-12 lead entering the second quarter, West saw its advantage trimmed to 17-14 with 7:22 to lay on a lay-up by the Warriors' Vanessa Brodie.

But that would be the last bucket for the Warriors until Brodie drained a perimeter jumper with 1:22 remaining in the third period - while West poured in 27 unanswered points.

During the spree, West forced 18 of Louisburg's game total of 32 turnovers while holding the Warriors to 0-for-14 shooting.

Dixon topped all scorers with 11 points while hauling down a game-high six rebounds in pacing the 'Cats to the win.

Dixon was joined in double-figures scoring by Tiffany Thompson, who drained 10 points. Eleven players scored for the Wildcats.

West took the lead on the strength of a 7-0 run late in the first quarter, using baskets from Dixon, Kassidy Burr and a 3-pointer from Mary Beth Tew.

Louisburg trimmed the margin to 13-10 on a bucket by Ambria Alexander and a Trey by Ebonee Alston, but never came closer after Brodie, who finished with eight points to lead the Warriors hit the second quarter bucket.