PORTSMOUTH — Lakeland’s girls basketball team survived injuries and foul trouble to get its second victory of the season, a 44-36 win over Norview, in the first round of the Norcom Christmas Tournament Wednesday morning.

The Lady Cavaliers (2-5) led nearly all the way but the Lady Pilots cut a 36-20 Lakeland advantage during the third period down to as close as 39-34 with just over a minute to play.

The Lady Cavs already go with only 10 players on their varsity roster. Crystal Treat, one of Lakeland’s best outside shooters, injured her ankle in the first quarter and didn’t return to action. Starting post player Danielle Reeves was knocked to the floor and hit her head on a drive to the hoop early in the fourth period. She remained out the rest of the game.

Two more Lady Cavs, Vici Treat and Shaikeyla Jordan, missed time in the second half due to injuries, then two Lakeland starters, Dashea Collins and Rodnesia Sallins, were in foul trouble down the stretch.

Fortunately, before all those trials, Lakeland built a healthy lead. From a 4-3 Norview lead in the first couple minutes, the Lady Cavaliers ran off 16 straight points.

The Lady Cavaliers, led by Sallins at point guard, tallied 11 steals in the first eight minutes. A Sallins interception and breakaway lay-in made Lakeland’s lead 19-4 early in the second period.

Sallins had 10 points and seven steals by halftime. Collins added six points as the Lady Cavs led 23-12.

Lakeland kept Norview at arm’s length through the third period. Sallins and Tashah Woodus scored back-to-back hoops to boost Lakeland’s margin to 36-20.

Two fouls on Sallins, a few seconds apart, quickly gave her four for the game and forced her to the bench.

Norview gained the momentum with Lakeland’s leading scorer and defensive catalyst out. Collins fouled out with 4:20 to go in the game. Add in the injuries and for a couple spells of the fourth period the Lady Cavs were down to six available players including Sallins who was a whistle away from fouling out.

A Lady Pilot steal and fast-break basket cut Lakeland’s lead to 39-34 as the clock neared 1:00 left.

An empty Lady Cavalier trip to the line gave Norview the chance to put more pressure on Lakeland. The Lady Cavaliers got a stop and Chardonnay Patterson, Jordan and Sallins made enough free throws in the final seconds to put the win away.

Sallins finished with 20 points and eight steals. She played the final 5:49 with four fouls. Collins had eight points and five rebounds. Jordan had six points and six steals. Reeves led Lakeland with seven boards. Vici Treat had six rebounds and five steals.

The Lady Cavaliers face Granby in the next round of the Norcom Tourney Thursday at 3 p.m. Granby (1-5) beat Phoebus 42-40.