MEN’S BASKETBALL

A strong second half fueled the #19 Huntington men’s basketball team to an 87-63 win over Holy Cross Saturday afternoon at Platt Arena. The victory keeps HU’s perfect season intact at 5-0.

With the first meeting between these two clubs dating back to 2008, the Foresters have come out on top each time for a 5-0 record against the Saints.

The first half was up for grabs with the biggest lead only six points, an advantage both teams enjoyed at some point throughout the opening twenty minutes. A 34-32 ball game with 1:42 to go in the period, the Foresters scored five of the last seven points to claim a 39-34 lead at the midway point.

The battle ensued into the second half until the hosts finally pieced together a substantial run starting with Lane Sparks’ jumper at the 12:32 mark that put HU up 56-53. Two minutes later Landen Jordan brought the crowd to their feet when he intercepted a pass and went coast-to-coast for a dunk.

When all was said and done, the run extended to the 6:41 mark. The Foresters allowed only three points while going off for 19 to make for a 73-56 difference. Alford’s crew continued to build on their lead for a final 24-point spread.

The Foresters shot 50.0 percent from the field (31-for-62) which included going 11-for-27 from long range.

Sparks, in his season debut, erupted for 32 points on 13-for-20 shooting which included four from downtown. He also corralled eight rebounds. Drew Goodline added 14 points, five boards and four assists. Jackson Paul chipped in 11 points while Jordan finished with nine. Kaden Johnson enjoyed game-high rebounding honors with nine, three of which were of the offensive variety.

The Saints were paced by Justin O’Neal and Joey Garwood who each tossed in 12. Phil Robles II recorded ten points as the only other double-digit scorer.

HU travels to Madonna on Wednesday for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off with the Crusaders.