Beloit, OH - Last night, the West Branch boys basketball team entered the game with momentum, having secured two big road wins over Beaver Local and Minerva. The Warriors welcomed Marlington to Beloit, a team they had already beaten earlier in the season. However, this matchup proved different, as the Dukes dominated the boards and shot more efficiently to claim a 54-40 victory.
The game started slowly for both teams, but West Branch managed to stay in the game, trailing by just three points. The second quarter featured solid defense and a balanced offensive attack, with five different Warriors contributing to an 11-9 scoring edge. At halftime, West Branch trailed by only two, 22-20.
However, the shooting struggles continued in the second half, as the Warriors managed just 6 points in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Marlington found its rhythm offensively, knocking down timely three-pointers and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. The Dukes' rebounding dominance continued throughout the game, as they outrebounded West Branch to secure the 54-40 win.
Top Performers/Stats
- Gavin Gregory finished with 10 points, contributing consistently on offense.
- Jeremiah Thomas scored 8 points, including a couple of key mid-range jumpers.
- West Branch struggled from beyond the arc, failing to hit a single three-pointer during last night's game.
What's Next: The Warriors will look to regroup as they take on Alliance this Friday at home, with the game tipping off at 6:45 PM.