GRANGER — The Granger Lions varsity boys basketball team dominated the Milano Eagles 63-43 on Tuesday, Jan. 27, on opening night in the new Lion’s Den.
The Lady Lions also made their debut in the new gym, rolling past Milano 59-32.
Senior forward Kael Jackson led Granger with 19 points. The first quarter proved to be the most competitive stretch, as the Lions held a narrow 13-10 advantage at the end of the period. Jackson and senior guard Caleb Tucker combined for nine of those points.
Granger began to separate in the second quarter, opening the period on a 6-0 run to extend the lead to 19-10.
Tucker finished the night with nine points. Senior guard Kye Welles later knocked down a 3-pointer to make it 22-12. Welles was second in scoring with 16 points.
The Lions outscored the Eagles 14-6 in the second quarter to take a 27-16 lead into halftime.
Granger continued to build its advantage by forcing turnovers, recording 14 steals compared to Milano’s two.
The Lions maintained control in the third quarter as Jackson scored eight points, helping Granger carry a 41-30 lead into the final period.
Granger closed the game strong, outscoring Milano 22-13 in the fourth quarter. Jackson capped his performance with six points in the final frame.
The Lions shot 36% from the field and narrowly outrebounded the Eagles 35-33. With the win, Granger improved to 16-8 overall and 5-1 in district play, sitting one game behind Thorndale in the standings.
Granger faced Rosebud-Lott on Friday and will continue district play against McDade on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m.
