Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower’s Gavin Lindemuth lays in two points for the Knights during Tuesday’s game against Union City.

RUSSELL — The Eisenhower Knights used a 12-4 run to open the game and never looked back, defeating visiting Union City 64-28 in a boys basketball game Tuesday night.

Kyler Black started the scoring for Eisenhower when he sank a deep 3-pointer from the corner, while teammate Austin Hanson added 7 points to help open up a 18-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Knights’ pressing defense held the Bears to just 6 points in the second quarter and allowed them to open their lead to 38-14 at the half.

Eisenhower head coach Ryan Mangini began to rest his starters, but not before they increased their lead to 56-19 at the end of three quarters.

With the starters on the bench, the reserves continued to play strong defense and held the visitors to just nine points in the final period.

Eisenhower was led by Hanson with 15 points, followed closely by Kris Bunk and Black who added 12 and 10 points respectively. The Bears were paced by Daniel Mcnultu and Brady Blakeslee who each had 10 points.

In the junior varsity game, the Bears defeated the Knights 34-27. Eisenhower was led by Derek Guiher with10 points while Union City was led by Jackson Kibbe’s 8 points.

Eisenhower is back in action on Friday in the rubber match of the backyard brawl as they welcome the Youngsville Eagles. A victory over the Eagles would guarantee the Knights a share of the region championship. Tip-off is 6 p.m. for the jayvee game with the varsity immediately following.