ELYRIA, Ohio -- The Pirates scored a season-high 73 points, as Rocky River defeated Open Door 73-52 in a Tuesday night non-conference affair.
With junior guard Gavin O'Brien leading the way, the Pirates tied a season-high by knocking down 11 3-pointers (Dec. 21 at Akron Ellet). O'Brien went 4-of-4 from distance in a third quarter that saw the visitors outscore the home five 28-10.
"That was a big third quarter for us," said head coach Mike Murray, whose Pirates have now won four of their last five games. "We were able to create turnovers and get out in transition. And guys were knocking down shots."
The River Raiders had gone just 13-of-54 (23.3%) from 3-point range over their three previous games. For the game, O'Brien hit four treys; senior guards Justin Gina (three) and Braedon Spies (two) combined for five more.
Rocky River's 28-10 third period broke open a game that had been close at halftime. The Pirates led the Patriots 29-26 at the break.
The good work turned in at the perimeter opened things inside for senior forward Robby Lang, who scored 17 points in the game. O'Brien finished with 14 points, as did Spies. Justin Gina filed nine.
[Full game stats unavailable at time of publication.]
River's 73 points marked the program's most in a single game since Feb. 26, 2018 (74 vs. Firelands).
The Pirates (7-7) are slated to play their penultimate Great Lakes Conference West Division regular-season game Friday when Rocky River visits the Elyria Catholic Panthers.
by Skip Snow
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