PEABODY — The game was a toss up throughout the first half, but the Peabody boys basketball team put together a stellar third quarter to help pull away for a 70-46 victory over Whittier Tech in a non-conference bout at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School Monday night.
“Whittier came out and gave us some problems in the first half, and it was really anyone’s game at the break,” said Peabody coach Thad Broughton. “But what really tipped the scales for us in the second half was the fact that we were able to get steals and get out in transition.”
That defensive intensity has been one of the key contributors to the Tanners’ solid play as of late.
“When we’ve played well, it’s been because our defense has carried the play,” said Broughton. “Our guards do a great job of pressuring the ball, and we have a lot of athletes who can get out and run in transition.
It was a banner night for senior Luke Roan, who notched a career-high 21 points to go along with eight rebounds. Sophomore guard Anthony Forte added 14 points and six steals in the win.
“It’s been great to see Luke playing so well lately, and he was all over the place (Monday),” said Broughton. “As for Anthony, he played a bunch last year as a freshman but he’s taken a huge step forward this year, and he’s really been contributing a lot for us.”
Shea Lynch also filled up the stat sheet in the win with seven points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Nick Soper and Colin Berube each scored eight points.
The game got off to a slow start on both sides, with the Tanners clinging to a slim 10-8 lead at the end of one quarter.
But the second quarter was a different story. Both teams started to heat up on the offensive side of the ball, and the score remained close the whole time. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, the score was deadlocked at 27-27.
After some quick rest and a few adjustments, the Tanners came out firing in the third quarter. Propelled by a tenacious defensive effort that forced a number of turnovers, Peabody was able to go on an incredible 24-6 run in the quarter to blow the game open and take a 51-33 lead into the final frame.
The Tanners were able to coast home from there, running out the clock to pick up the non-league victory at home.
Peabody (6-2) hosts Triton Thursday evening (6).
“Our goal is to move the basketball and really get everyone involved, but at the end of the day it all starts with our defense,” said Broughton. “Our defensive effort is what sets the whole tone for us, so we have to come out with a good defensive effort and then take things from there.”
