Burlington Central controls Marengo

Burlington Central finally got to play its game.

After a slow start, the Rockets forced Marengo into an up-tempo game. The pace definitely worked to the Rockets’ advantage, as they pulled away for a 70-58 Big Northern East boys basketball win in Marengo Friday night.

Ray Hunnicutt and Sam Klein scored 18 points apiece for the Rockets (11-8, 5-1).

The Rockets trailed 14-11 midway through the second quarter. They took the lead for good with an 8-1 run just before halftime, then broke the game open with a 10-0 spurt in the third period.

“We just forced them to do some things that put the tempo in our favor,” said Central coach Brett Porto. “We got the game going the way we wanted, were able to use our bench.

“Then toward the end of the second quarter and into the second half, Ray and Sam took over, and we had some guys hit 3-pointers at key times.”

Klein hit a pair of 3-pointers, Ryan Ritchie had 2 in the second half, and Jared Moxness made a key one in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was a wild series of charges and countercharges. Led by Zack Lundquist, who had all 14 of his points in the second half, Marengo made a series of late runs. But each time the Rockets answered.

A 9-0 spurt got the Indians within 54-45 with 5:44 left, but Ritchie answered with a 3-pointer on the next possession. The Indians got as close as 61-54 on a 3-pointer by Anthony Mallegni, but could get no closer.

Klein added 9 rebounds for the Rockets. Hunnicutt had 8 rebounds and 4 assists, and Thomas Fitzgerald 13 points and 6 rebounds for the Rockets.

Austin Brettschneider added 13 points, and Justin Gaines had 10 off the bench for Marengo (5-16, 2-5).