In a game that was meant to be a learning experience, the Doherty girls’ basketball team perfected the comeback finish.

Down by more than 10 points for much of the first half, the Spartans battled defensively and were almost perfect from the free-throw line in the second to earn a gritty 43-39 win over Ralston Valley in the first round of the Pikes Peak Tip Off Classic on Tuesday night.

Doherty’s Angela Vigil, left, tried to knock the ball away from Ralston Valley’s Kendra Feldman during the fourth quarter Tuesday night at Doherty High School. The Spartans won 43-39 in the first round of the Pikes Peak Tip Off Classic. Photo by KEVIN KRECK, THE GAZETTE