MAC/TAC Salem's uprising subdues Warriors

The Quakers turned a 23-10 surge into a 60-49 triumph over West Branch.
BELOIT -- The Salem High boys basketball team broke open a close game Tuesday by outscoring West Branch, 23-10, in the third quarter en route to a 60-49 victory.
Landon Heath paced the Quakers' balanced scoring attack with 18 points.
T.J. DeCrow chipped in with 14 and three assists for Salem (7-10). Tom Jesko added 12 and Zac Grey finished with 10 points and three assists.
Nate Greenawalt led the Warriors (4-12) with 18 points and five assists. Jared Hoffman added 15 points.
Niles 72, Struthers 56
STRUTHERS -- A 34-22 lead by the Red Dragons at halftime proved to be the difference in the Metro Athletic Conference game.
Dan Jones and Kevin Robertson triggered the Niles (5-11, 4-6) offense with 26 and 21 points, respectively. Bill French chipped in with 14.
The Wildcats (3-14, 1-9) put four players in double figures, with Rick Kukura leading the way with 18 points. Tim Zetts added 12 and Dave Mathews and Mike Duponty each had 10.
Alliance 65, Howland 55
ALLIANCE -- Austin Banks scored 19 points and Bylynn Hatcher added 18 points to pace the Aviators (10-6, 5-5).
Neil Claggett and Ryan Johnson each scored 14 points for the Tigers (5-13, 3-8 MAC).
Cody Chappell added 11 points and three 3-pointers for Howland.
Lakeview 60, Hubbard 51
CORTLAND -- With LaBrae's loss to Newton Falls, Lakeview moved into a first-place tie in the Trumbull Athletic Conference.
Joey Opalka-Brown sparked the Bulldogs with 22 points, which included three 3-point goals. Chuck Williams chipped in with 11 points, including three 3-point goals.
Jeff Jablonski took scoring honors for Hubbard with 23 points.
Liberty 50, Girard 49
LIBERTY -- Joe Lopez scored with 30 seconds remaining to give Liberty the lead for good.
Leading 48-46, the Leopards (13-3, 7-3 TAC) sealed the victory with two free throws from DeShawn Crenshaw with 18 seconds remaining.
On his birthday, Lopez scored 15 points to pace the Leopards, while Bradley Fletcher and Joel Marshall each added 12.
Girard (5-9, 2-6) was led by Marc Williams with 22 points.