VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Valley City used a strong second half on both ends of the floor to pick up a much needed win. The Hi-Liners outscored Fargo South 37-20 in the second half for a 64-48 win.

The first half saw four ties and five lead changes, with the last one coming at the end of an 8-0 run by South to end the first half with a 28-27 lead.

The Hi-Liners took the lead 27-20 thanks to an 11-4 run. The run was started by Drew Zaun’s three-pointer from the top of the key with 7:44 remaining to make it 19-16 Hi-Liners. The run was capped off by a long three-pointer by Adam Bitz with 4:42 to go. But then South cranked up the pressure defense to end the half and score the last eight points. The last two scored by Khamani Steckler on a inside basket with 1:12 remaining in the half to give his team the 28-27 lead at the break.

The second half was back and forth for the first seven minutes with neither team able to take control. That pressure defense that South used to create turnovers and points late in the first half, was figured out by the Hi-Liners and head Coach Alex Quist was pleased to see his team make the adjustments in the second half.

The Hi-Liners would take the lead for good at 41-40 on Andrew Berntson’s three-pointer from the right corner with 11:38 remaining in the second half. The Hi-Liners would outscore the Bruins 23-8 the rest of the way to pick up their biggest win of the season.

Coach Quist says this could have been their best game in his two seasons as head coach. And he could tell before the game they were ready.

Peyton Zaun led Valley City with 16 points. Adam Bitz added 14 points and four rebounds. Drew Zaun had ten points and three assists. Calahan Burchill had nine points and four assists. Andrew Berntson ended with seven points. Jared Eggermont, who was in foul trouble most of the game, finished with five points. Derek Diegel had a quiet yet productive night with three points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Bakarr Fullah led the Bruins with 16 points. Alex Saydee added 14. Steckler finished with eight points and a game high seven rebounds. Kam Arechigo, who came in averaging 18.5 points per game, scored just one and added six rebounds.

With the win, the Hi-Liners improve to 5-11 in the Eastern Dakota Conference and 4-12 overall. South falls to 8-7 overall and 8-7 in the EDC.