DALLAS - The Jesuit Dallas basketball team took an early lead and controlled the game to defeat Richarson, 54-43, at Walsh Gym on Tuesday night.
Jesuit (13-13, 6-4) moved back to .500 on the season and defeated its third top three team in the District 7-6A standings. The Rangers are alone in fourth place, a game behind Richardson and two behind J.J. Pearce with four games remaining.
On Tuesday, Jesuit shot 48 percent and made eight 3-pointers on offense, while they outrebounded the Eagles, 27-18 and only allowed one offensive board.
William Alexander scored 15 points with three assists and two steals, while
Pierce Popelka had 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Justin Fern was the third JCP player in double figures, scoring 11 with six rebounds and three helpers.
The Eagles tied the game midway through the third before Popelka score on three-consecutive possessions to put the Rangers back ahead, 37-31 heading into the fourth quarter.
After a pair of free throw by Lucas Sutherland, Popelka had an offensive putback and Fern nailed a fast break triple to push the margin to nine. RHS never got closer than six the rest of the way.
Sutherland had 21 with 14 after halftime to lead the Eagles. Jayden Blair had 15 to help account for 36 of the team's 43 points.
Jesuit will be on the road on Friday, traveling to Berkner. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.
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