For the third-straight game, it was the third-quarter run coming out of the locker room that sparked the Douglas boys' basketball team to a big win.
After struggling through a four-game losing streak that saw the Tigers generally sputter in the third quarter, Douglas extended its win streak to three (the longest of the year for the Tigers) with a 59-32 romp over Damonte Ranch at Douglas High Saturday night.
A 13-1 run to open the second half broke the game open for Douglas, which led 24-16 heading into halftime anyway.
Mike Gransbery hit a 3-pointer to open the third quarter, which set things in motion.
Keith Olson took over from there, scoring eight of the next 10 points for the Tigers, including a big two-handed slam to close off the run.
What was more impressive in the third quarter, however, was Douglas' defense, which did not allow a single field goal from the Mustangs through the first 4 minutes and 30 seconds of the second half.
The defense the entire game was stellar for the Tigers, who posted their lowest points-allowed total of the season at 32.
The night before against Carson, Douglas allowed only 37 points.
Douglas never trailed against Damonte Ranch, building an early 7-0 lead with two baskets from Joe Nady and a 3-pointer from Jordan Hadlock.
The Tigers shut out the Mustangs through the first three minutes of the game.
Gransbery heated up from behind the line, hitting three 3-pointers on the night. Kevin Emm also hit a pair of 3-pointers, marking Douglas' finest performance from outside all season.
Olson led the way for Douglas with 15 points and Gransbery added 13.
Emm scored eight points, Joe Nady added seven, Jared Trowbridge and Bryant Falcke each had four points, Hadlock and Jeff Nady each had three and Nate Whalin had two.
Whalin was particularly impressive under the board and on the defensive end. Trowbridge was also noted for his defensive play, as was David Laird.
JUNIOR VARSITY
The Tigers hung on for a 57-46 win over Damonte Ranch, led by Parker Robertson and Kyle Heidt, who each scored 11 points.
Herman Filmore and Nate Imelli each scored six points, Ross Bertelone, Ryan McPeek and Drew Hamlett each scored four and Drew Hughes scored 3.
Robert Dykes and Shawn Hall each scored two points, rounding out a balanced scoring effort for the Tigers.
The Tigers outscored Damonte 19-9 in the second quarter.
FRESHMEN
Douglas dropped a 54-32 decision to Carson Friday night, despite getting 16 points, seven rebounds and three blocks from Cale Pete.
Tyler Hoelzen added seven points, Nick Hales had six rebounds and Tim Rudnick had four points and four rebounds.
Hales also dished out four assists.
n Joey Crandall can be reached at jcrandall@recordcourier.com or at (775) 782-5121, ext. 212.
