The Durango High School boys basketball team scored a 47-40 victory over league foe Grand Junction Central on Friday at DHS.
The Demons played some of their best basketball of the game in the fourth quarter and made all eight free-throw attempts to stay in front. Leading 31-23 to start the final frame, Walter Stauffer hit a close shot to extend Durango’s lead to 10. Central hit some shots, but Durango always answered right away, getting baskets from Landon Roberts, Dylan Bettin and Luke Wesley to maintain their lead.
Anthony Flint then made a big play, stealing the ball and taking it coast to coast for a layup that put DHS up 41-32.
Bettin also blocked two shots in the fourth. After he rejected one shot, a Warrior stole the ball from him on the ensuing play. Bettin, however, ran back on defense and rejected the fast break.
Bettin also got the offense started, hitting a 3-pointer to start the game. After Roberts made back-to-back baskets that put DHS up 7-2, Central hit two 3-pointers to take the lead. Stauffer gave DHS the lead back with a bucket, but Central scored to go ahead 10-9.
After Jacob Neubert scored and blocked a shot, DHS never trailed again.
Two more baskets from Neubert and Bettin gave DHS a 15-10 lead heading into the second. The second quarter was slow offensively, with each team only scoring five points. Zach Haber sunk a 3-pointer, and Bettin made a field goal to account for Durango’s scoring.
Bettin hit another three to start the third. Flint scored on a putback and later swished a trey. Lincoln Clay made some free throws, and DHS took a 31-23 lead into the fourth.
Bettin scored 14 points to lead Durango. Flint scored 11, all in the second half. Roberts added seven, and Neubert finished with four.
Eric Macks scored 13, including three 3-pointers, to lead Central.
With the win, DHS improved to 8-11 overall and 2-4 in the 4A/5A Southwestern League. Central slipped to 6-15, 0-6.
The Demons will be back on their home court for another big league game Saturday. The Demons will take on Fruita Monument (10-10, 2-3) at noon.
