MEN’S BASKETBALL

The (RV) HU men’s basketball team closed out 2025 in winning fashion, pulling away in the second half to defeat Lawrence Tech 74-65 Wednesday afternoon at Platt Arena. Both teams entered the matchup riding three-game win streaks, with Huntington’s recent surge coming against Top-15 opponents.

The opening 20 minutes were a grind for the Foresters, who spent most of the half playing from behind. Huntington struggled to find offensive rhythm, shooting just 35.7 percent from the floor while Lawrence Tech knocked down 15 field goals to HU’s 10. The hosts stayed within striking distance by attacking the rim, going 11-for-13 at the free-throw line, and headed into halftime trailing just 38-35.

The halftime reset proved decisive. Huntington opened the second half on a 7-0 run to seize a 40-38 lead, and the tone of the game shifted moments later. After Jackson Paul tied the contest at 44-all, he jumped the ensuing inbounds pass and found Kaden Johnson for a thunderous dunk – a four-point swing in just 15 seconds that ignited the crowd and proved to be the turning point. The Foresters never trailed again.

Lawrence Tech refused to fold, but Huntington answered every push with poise and execution. Cade Brenner buried three triples in the final 10 minutes to keep the Blue Devils at arm’s length, while Paul added eight more points down the stretch to seal the win. Landon Biegel put an exclamation point on the afternoon, drilling a three-pointer with 30 seconds remaining that prompted Lawrence Tech to wave the white flag.

Huntington finished the afternoon shooting 48.1 percent from the floor and an efficient 41.2 percent from beyond the arc. Johnson delivered another dominant performance, pouring in a game-high 24 points to go with 14 rebounds for his double-double. Paul was outstanding on both ends, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and a momentum-shifting steal, while Brenner chipped in 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting from deep. Miles Good added 12 points and three assists as HU improved to 11-3 on the season.

For Lawrence Tech (9-4), Michael Afrakoff led the way with 17 points off the bench, while Luka Uzelac posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Vuk Zarubica, Davin Walker and Kerem Sariaslan each added eight points as the Blue Devils shot 38.5 percent from the field.

The win marked Huntington’s fourth straight and its final contest of the calendar year. Coach Jared Jauch and the Foresters will open 2026 with a marquee road test, traveling to Mishawaka on January 3 for a 3:00 p.m. showdown with No. 7 Bethel.