Midway through Monday’s non-league contest against visiting Lincoln, the East Union High boys basketball squad went to a zone defense.
The results of that paid off handsomely as the Lancers rolled to a 61-41 victory.
“We made the adjustments at halftime,” said East Union coach Brett Lewis. “We switched to zone after they kept attacking us with layups and second-chance baskets.”
The defense of the Lancers (4-3) forced Lincoln to play a half-court game, taking away the driving lanes while daring the Trojans to connect from the outside.
Lincoln (2-9) went scoreless in the third period, missing all four of its free throw attempts.
EU also countered by settling into its offense. Behind through the first half, the Lancers surged ahead, outscoring the Trojans 13-0 in the third, and closing out with a 23-15 advantage.
Robert Vaughn did most of the damage for the Lancers, scoring a game-high 21 points. He chipped in with nine rebounds and four assists.
Sophomore Jordan Kron added 10 points along with five assists. Teejay Gordon, who had five steals, and Brandon Cline, who delivered on a pair of treys, had eight points each.
Lincoln was led by Aaron Robinson, who scored eight of his 15 points early in the fourth period.
“Defense is what made the difference,” said EU coach Jeff Lund, who credited Chad Hoffdahl for spear-heading the attack.
The Lancers, who trailed 26-22 at the intermission, limited Lincoln to 12 points in the final two periods.
Offensively, Justin Nieto paced EU, scoring 9 of his 14 points in the third. Tyrus Rattler had 13 while Will Brink finished with 9.
The results of that paid off handsomely as the Lancers rolled to a 61-41 victory.
“We made the adjustments at halftime,” said East Union coach Brett Lewis. “We switched to zone after they kept attacking us with layups and second-chance baskets.”
The defense of the Lancers (4-3) forced Lincoln to play a half-court game, taking away the driving lanes while daring the Trojans to connect from the outside.
Lincoln (2-9) went scoreless in the third period, missing all four of its free throw attempts.
EU also countered by settling into its offense. Behind through the first half, the Lancers surged ahead, outscoring the Trojans 13-0 in the third, and closing out with a 23-15 advantage.
Robert Vaughn did most of the damage for the Lancers, scoring a game-high 21 points. He chipped in with nine rebounds and four assists.
Sophomore Jordan Kron added 10 points along with five assists. Teejay Gordon, who had five steals, and Brandon Cline, who delivered on a pair of treys, had eight points each.
Lincoln was led by Aaron Robinson, who scored eight of his 15 points early in the fourth period.
Sophomore
East Union 43, Lincoln 38
The Lancers improved to 5-1 thanks to a strong second half.East Union 43, Lincoln 38
“Defense is what made the difference,” said EU coach Jeff Lund, who credited Chad Hoffdahl for spear-heading the attack.
The Lancers, who trailed 26-22 at the intermission, limited Lincoln to 12 points in the final two periods.
Offensively, Justin Nieto paced EU, scoring 9 of his 14 points in the third. Tyrus Rattler had 13 while Will Brink finished with 9.
