LocalSportsJournal.com

TRAVERSE CITY — After keeping the game close through the first half, Ludington’s boys basketball team fell back in the third quarter when Traverse City West blew things open on the way to a 71-50 non-conference win over the Orioles on Tuesday night.

Ludington did close the deficit to 10 points, 54-44 with just over four minutes left in the fourth quarter but that was as close as the Orioles would get in the second half.

The Orioles finished the first quarter trailing by only two points, 12-10. That margin increased to seven points, 25-18 by the halftime break as the Titans outscored Ludington, 13-8 in the second quarter.

Ludington saw the deficit grow to 19 points, 52-33 heading into the fourth quarter after being outscored, 27-15 in the third period. The Orioles were outscored, 19-17 in the final period.

David Shillinger paced the Orioles with 15 points, while Gage Jones added eight points and Peyton LaCombe was held to seven points.

John O’Connor led the Titans with 18 points.

Ludington saw its season record drop to 8-6 overall with the loss. The Orioles are next scheduled to see action Friday hosting Orchard View.