East Union managed single digits in each of the first three quarters Wednesday night against host Stagg, including just five points in the third period on the way to a 55-43 win for the Delta Kings in non-league boys basketball action.
“We got some looks that were there but it seemed like for a while there was a lid on the rim,” Lancers coach Dutch Ell said. “It was a tough night out here. We gave up quite a lot of offensive rebounds and it is tough to win a basketball game when you give up that many second-chance points.”
In addition to shooting poorly from the field, East Union (8-6) was just 3 of 13 from the free-throw line.
“I pride myself in how our program works harder than most and tonight we just didn’t do that,” Ells said. “We came out a little bit flat and then the lack of mental fortitude getting to the line and not finishing there is not going to help us win a game.
“It was a rough night all the way around but we will bounce back.”
After the first quarter ended in a 9-9 tie, Stagg (6-5) erupted with a 17-point second period behind a trio of 3-pointers by Andrew Johnson (15 points).
“With our big guys we have to have somebody who can spread out the defense and hit shots,” Delta Kings coach Andrew Newton said. “And lately that has been Andrew (Johnson).
“Early in the season he was struggling from out there and then we just told him to keep the confidence going and the last five or six games he has been shooting at a high level.”
Stagg dominated the boards 37-23 with Joshua Chavez (12 points) grabbing 17 rebounds.
“I think that is the second game in a row with 17 rebounds for Josh (Chavez),” Newton said. “We go through Josh.”
Ronald Green added 11 points for the Delta Kings.
Anthony Sy led the Lancers with 13 points. Dylan Lee added 11 points with six steals and six rebounds and Ian Metcalf grabbed seven rebounds, five steals and made five points.
East Union hosts Tracy tonight at 7:30.
Junior varsity
East Union 42, Stagg 32
The Lancers led 21-13 at halftime and coasted to the win.
Drew Kalin and Chase Porter led East Union with eight points apiece with all of Porter’s points coming off of second-half free throws. Vincent Hudson added seven points.
