DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Valley City jumped out to an 18 point lead then had to hold off winless Devils Lake down the stretch to pick up a 62-59 win Friday night at the Devils Lake Activities Center. The win ended a four game losing streak for Valley City.

The Hi-Liners jumped out to a 26-8 lead in the first half, only to see Devils Lake come back and end the half on a 13-3 run to make it 29-21 Hi-Liners at the break. Peyton Zaun had 10 of his game high 21 points in the first half.

Devils Lake outscored the Hi-Liners 38-33 in the second half but every time the Firebirds would make a run to close the gap, Valley City would widen the lead.

In the end, it was Valley City picking up a win that was worth two points in the EDC standings. The Hi-Liners are now in a three way tie with Fargo North and Shanley for sixth place in the EDC and only two points behind  Wahpeton for fifth.

Along with Zaun’s 21 points, Andrew Berntson added 12 points. Jared Eggermont had eight points and a game high six rebounds.  Calahan Buchill had six points and Robert Fisher added five points, five rebounds and a team high three assists. Zaun also had three steals and two blocked shots for Valley City.

Ben Heilman led the Firebirds with 16 points and three assists. Hayden Hofstad was in double figures with 10 and a team high five rebounds.

Valley City is 4-8 in the Eastern Dakota Conference and 3-9 overall. Devils Lake falls to 0-9 in the conference and 0-8 overall.

The Hi-Liners travel to Fargo North for another key EDC matchup on Tuesday.