Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower head coach Wayne Lundmark speaks to his team during a timeout in the fourth quarter of Friday’s Region 2 game at Union City.

UNION CITY — The Eisenhower boys basketball team opened its season Friday night with a Region 2 basketball game against Union City.

There were no students cheering, fans were limited and the few who were in attendance were in assigned seats on one side of the gym.

But, finally, there was a game.

Ultimately, the Bears, who gained separation with a 14-0 run in the second quarter, held on for a 62-52victory.

Matthew Bennett led the way for the hosts with 19 points, canning all six of his free-throw attempts in the fourth quarter to seal the win; while teammates Kyle Shaffer and Shane Uber added 9 points apiece.

Eisenhower’s Owen Trumbull paced Eisenhower with 22 points.

Union City led 11-7 after the first quarter. After the Knights tied it 11-all on free throws by Trumbull and a corner jumper by Caleb Robinault, the Bears put together their surge and led 29-18 at halftime and 44-35 heading into the final period.

Trumbull was a force in the fourth quarter as he scored 10 points, allowing Eisenhower to close within eight points with 52 seconds left, but Bennett didn’t miss from the charity stripe down the stretch and the Bears closed out the win.

In the junior varsity game, Union City prevailed, 52-33, behind Josh James’ 27 points. The Knights were led by Kael Hunt with 11.

Eisenhower will be back in action Tuesday when it entertains Youngsville.