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If you’re a New London Bulldog fan over the age of 18, you may want to purchase a “Pick 3” Wisconsin Lottery ticket tonight and go with 3-3-3. Three’s were wild in more ways than one this evening as New London defeated Bay Conference rival Luxemburg-Casco 53-45 to claim the Division 2 girls basketball state title.

It was the third match-up of the season between the two teams, although L-C had won the first two meetings by 9 and 15 points respectively. But, as the old adage goes, it is hard to beat a team three times in one season.

“Three” was certainly the word of the day for New London, who got off to a hot start behind the three-point line, making five of six attempts in the first quarter to take a 17-7 lead.

Things were looking even better for the Bulldogs when All-State forward Janelle VandenPlas picked up her second foul just before the end of the first quarter. With the Spartans down by 12 early in the second, head coach Brett Killion inserted VandenPlas back in the lineup however, and she quickly provided an offensive spark, allowing L-C to pull within 26-18 at the half.

Luxemburg-Casco whittled away at the New London lead in the third quarter, and cut it to three at 31-28 with just under three minutes left in the third. Back to back three-pointers from Emily Steffenus and Brooke Fitzgerald opened things back up for the Bulldogs though, who led 41-34 heading into the fourth.

The teams traded mini-runs in the fourth, but Luxemburg-Casco was never able to get closer than four points the rest of the way, as New London went 6 of 7 in the final four minutes of the game. The Spartans, meanwhile, were only able to muster three points in the final three minutes of action.

For the game New London connected on 8 of 15 three-pointers, while knocking down 9 of 11 from the free throw line. Luxemburg-Casco conversely was just 3 of 16 from behind the arc, as everyone outside of VandenPlas struggled shooting the ball.

Tara Knapstein finished with 13 points and 8 rebounds to lead New London, while Brooke Fitzgerald (11 points) and Emily Steffenus (10) chipped in with double figures as well.

VandenPlas was virtually unstoppable when she got the ball inside, scoring 20 points on 7 of 10 shooting to go with 6 of 7 from the line. She added 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks for an outstanding all-around game.

New London’s first state title came on its third state tournament appearance, previously making the trip in 2006 and 2007.

Three certainly was the magic number for New London tonight.