After three tough outings in their Alton Tip-Off Classic girls basketball tournament, the Redbirds found some relief at home Tuesday night.

Alton picked up its first victory of the season by rolling over the St. Louis Crossroads Prep Current 58-29 at Alton High. The Redbirds are 1-3. The Current are 0-1.

“I was glad for us to have this game,” Alton coach Bob Rickman said. “After a rough start in the Tip-Off Classic, we got the chance to put those three games behind us and get ready for conference play next week.

“We have a lot to work on because this is such a young team, but they are doing a great job being coachable and learning from their mistakes. December is going to reveal a lot about our team and where we are going to be able to go as a team”

The Redbirds took a 12-6 lead after the first quarter and grew the margin to 26-9 by halftime.

“It was a rocky start in the first quarter with our defense,” Rickman said. “The intensity was good, but our communication was not and we gave up some easy baskets to let them close the gap. The second quarter was much improved and set the tone.”

The Redbirds overcame a 1-for-12 night from the free throw line. Rayn Tally scored 15 points, Deija Carter had 14, and both Leilani Hill and Alexia Rodgers added eight for Alton.

“Tonight we had a good team effort,” Rickman said. “We are four games into the season and it was (Crossroads) first game, that was certainly a benefit.”