There's no new mathematical system that allows Superior to subtract its one loss this season by beating the team that inflicted that defeat.
But the only math the Spartans were concerned about Tuesday night was the fact they scored more points than Duluth Central. Superior used a quick burst to start the second half and pulled away to a 54-47 high school boys basketball victory at Central.
The Trojans handed the Spartans (10-1, 4-1 Lake Superior Conference) their lone loss this season, 73-65 on Dec. 7 at Superior.
"They took it to us that game,'' Superior guard Dustin Ritchie said. "That gave us extra motivation to beat them."
Ritchie scored 15 of his 21 points in the second half as Superior broke a 17-17 half-time tie to record its eighth straight win.
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"He settled in and quit thinking about missing a shot here and there,'' Superior coach Dave Kontny said of his 6-foot junior. "We moved the ball well in the second half, and if you do that you are going to get open."
Ritchie scored seven consecutive Superior points at one stretch and made all four of his free throws.
"When we put our pressure on, Ritchie hit a big three and a couple tough baskets," Central coach Tom Pearson said.
That was a change from the first half when the Trojans forced a sloppy game that seemed to frustrate the Spartans. Superior had few fastbreak opportunities and was outscored 9-2 down the stretch.
"I thought we took ourselves out of our game,'' Kontny said of the first half. "We didn't play hard offensively, and defensively we looked flat. But we played very well in the second half."
Jesse Covill's jumper put the Spartans ahead 23-21, a lead they did not relinquish. Reserve Ryan Radzak later scored seven straight points as Superior upped its margin from 31-25 to 38-27. Central never got closer than five points the rest of the way as the Spartans made 14 of 15 free throws in the second half and stifled the Trojans (7-6, 5-2) with an outstanding zone defense.
"We pressured them a lot harder and were more focused in the second half,'' Ritchie said.
Trevon Taylor led Central with 17 points and made three 3-pointers. Robb Correia added 12 points.
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Superior 17-37--54
Duluth Central 17-30--47
Superior -- Bart Bailey 7, Jesse Covill 4, Ryan Radzak 9, Ben Lindberg 5, Dustin Ritchie 21, Addison Griffin 2, Mike Johnsted 6. Totals 19 14-19 54.
3-point goals -- Radzak, Ritchie.
Duluth Central -- Montclair Chapman 2, Noah Pauley 8, Trevon Taylor 17, Vince Ohaju 2, Andy Stukel 2, Robb Correia 12, Andy Roberts 2, Garth Heikkinen 2. Totals 20 2-6 47.
3-point goals -- Taylor 3.
