Northridge didn't stand a chance Thursday at Brighton. Not with all the bombs (three-point shots) in the air and a tough defense patrolling the floor.
The combination, which fueled a quick start, lifted the third-ranked Bengals to a 75-48 win over the Knights."I was nervous because (Northridge) took Timpview to overtime," said Brighton coach Jim Jimas. "So overall, I feel good about the win. We're starting to jell."
The Bengals, who never trailed, hit five three-pointers in the first seven minutes while taking a game-opening 24-9 advantage. In the midst of the run, Brighton held Northridge to just three points for almost five minutes.
"I thought we worked both ends pretty good," said Jimas. "The threes were just there and the kids took 'em."
Brighton, now 7-1 overall, finished the game with seven treys.
"They hit a lot of shots in the beginning. They have good shooters," said Northridge coach Jeff Jorgensen, who's team fell to 1-6 on the year. "We just didn't come to play."
And the Bengals capitalized.
Brighton led 45-22 at halftime and increased its lead to 72-42 in the final two minutes.
David Nielsen led the Bengals with 18 points, while teammate Josh Griffeth added 14. Ryan Poll had 15 for the Knights.
In other action:
Alta 77, Lincoln, Neb. 59
At the Nebraska Prep Classic, Brad Willden scored 24 points and Adam Sharp added 19 as the Hawks (7-1) blasted host Lincoln in the tournament semifinals. Alta will defend its championship Friday night against Nebraska state champion Lincoln Northeast - an undefeated team which returns five starters.
Fremont 56, Sky View 53
At Fremont, Tom Grant led all scorers with 19 points to lead the Silver Wolves (2-6) past the Bobcats (4-5). Fremont led 34-20 at halftime and withstood four Sky View three-pointers in the four quarter to prevail. Kenny Clark and Brett Tarbet each had 17 for the Bobcats.
Orem 59, Pleasant Grove 54
At Orem, Brad Clark and Blake Gardner split 32 points as the Tigers outlasted the fourth-ranked Vikings . Orem (3-5) overcame a 24-22 halftime deficit by outscoring Pleasant Grove 23-15 in the pivotal third quarter. Justin Wilkes led the Vikes (7-2) with 18.
Dixie 56, Delta 53
At Dixie, Robbie Rignell's 24 points guided the Flyers (5-4) past the Rabbits (4-4). Craig Jensen had 19 for Delta.
Pine View 68, Wasatch 66
At Pine View, Carter Miller finished with 22 points as the Panthers (9-3) nipped the Wasps (4-5). Curry Davis of Wasatch topped the scoring chart with 24.
Emery 73, Union 50
At Emery, Johnny Ware scored 11 of his 13 points in the second half as the Spartans (4-6) blasted the Cougars (5-5). Emery's Justin Bradley led all scorers with 16, while teammate James Killpack added 15. Lane Earl had 14 for Union.
Morgan 82, Duchesne 52
At Duchesne, the visiting Trojans (5-4) had 11 players score in a lopsided win over the Eagles (4-4). Blake Nelson had 16 for Morgan and Wesy Young 20 for Duchesne.
Provo 65, Carbon 43
At Provo, Matt Williams scored 15 points to lead the Bulldogs (7-2) to a non-region win over the Dinosaurs (7-4). Jeremy Jewkes finished with 17 for Carbon.
Panguitch 70, Hurricane 48
At Kanab Cowboy Classic, Jared Black scored 17 points to lead the top-ranked 1A Bobcats (6-2) past the 3A Tigers. David Porter had 15 for Hurricane (2-8).
Kanab 71, Piute 69
At Kanab Cowboy Classic, Bucky Orton's 22 points led the host Cowboys (4-2) past the Thunderbirds (1-8). Casey Esplin finished with 18 for Piute, who will face Hurricane in Friday's consolation game. Meanwhile, Kanab and Panguitch will meet for the tournament title.