GRAND FORKS, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Grand Forks Central cranked up the press and used a 25-3 run in the first half to pick up a 72-46 win over Valley City in Eastern Dakota Conference boys basketball Thursday night at the Knight gym.

Valley City got off to an 11-2 start in the first 3:37, but then the Knights turned up the defense and eight of the 25 points came on layups after steals. All total, the Central had 20 steals on the night.

Alex Barbot led the Knights with 18 points. He had four of the nine three pointers for the Knights. Ben Hoverson added 13 and Parker Brown came off the bench to score 11.

Peyton Zaun led the Hi-Liners with 17 points. Jared Eggermont had 14.

Valley City falls to 0-6 in the Eastern Dakota Conference and 1-7 overall. Central improves to 2-4 in the conference and 3-5 overall.