Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower’s Austin Hanson and Kymani Vince block a shot by Erie First Christian Academy’s Avery Collins during Tuesday’s boys basketball game.

ERIE — Eisenhower used a 33-point fourth quarter to turn a close game in its favor as the Knights defeated Erie First Christian Academy 82-67 and now sit atop the Region 3 standings with two region games remaining.

The home team jumped out to a 25-16 lead at the end of the first quarter behind senior Avery Collins’ 14 points.

The Knights’ defense settled in and their shots began to drop as Austin Hanson hit a pair of 3-pointers and Derek Guiher added one to cut the Erie First lead to just a point 36-35 at halftime.

Before in a packed gym, the second half did not disappoint as the Eagles clung to a 52-50 lead at the end of the third quarter. Simon Gonzalez had 10 points in the quarter to pace Erie First on his way to a game-high 37 points.

The final quarter belonged to the Knights, though.

Freshman Liam Hanson had 10 points in the period with a pair of 3-pointers and his brother, Austin, went 11-of-12 from the free throw line. Freshman Kymani Vine, who finished with 23 points, hit a pair of free throws with under a minute remaining to help clinch the win.

Eisenhower held Collins, who scored 42 points against the Knights earlier this season, to just one field goal in the final three quarters.

Knights head coach Ryan Mangini on the win, “I’m really proud of how our guys responded after a tough first quarter in a hostile environment,” Knights head coach Ryan Mangini said. “They kept their composure and executed the game plan in not letting Collins beat us.”

Liam Hanson chipped in 14 points for the Knights.

In junior varsity action, Eisenhower defeated Erie First 51-44. Alex Van Guilder led the Knights with 15 points and Lucas Steinberg added 13.