by Michael Leonard

Sports Editor

Twinsburg -- At season's outset, Twinsburg boys basketball coach Bob Pacsi said his team might need some time to gel after getting a late start due to the football team's run.

But as the home stretch of the season beckons, Pacsi finds himself at the helm of one of Northeast Ohio's hottest teams.

However, the manner in which the Tigers won their ninth straight game left their coach hot.

Shaker Heights gave the Tigers everything they could handle Feb. 2 before Twinsburg pulled out 55-51 home win.

The win came in stark contrast to a 68-64 win over a much-improved Parma squad Jan. 29 on the road.

With the wins, Twinsburg improved to 12-2. The Tigers remain at 4-1 in the NOC River Division.

Despite the win over the Red Raiders, Pacsi said his team took a couple steps back in the win.

"That's what happens when you don't come prepared to play and we didn't tonight," Pacsi said. "The only good that came of tonight was we found a win. I tip my hat to Shaker. They've got a lot of young kids who did what they were coached to do."

Shaker seemed to switch its defense up on the Tigers each quarter. Neither team shot the ball well early, as the Tigers were able to take a 13-12 lead after one quarter.

The Red Raiders switched to a press-oriented game in the second quarter, but the frenetic pace didn't seem to favor either team. Both squads suffered numerous turnovers and blocked shots.

Twinsburg was able to nudge out to a seven-point lead before a three-point play by Shaker's Brett Thomas helped cut the Tiger lead to 27-24 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Red Raiders seemed to stifle the Tigers by switching to an extended 3-2 zone.

The Tigers had to lean heavily one their senior leader in the third quarter, as forward Jon Harris scored 11 of Twinsburg's 13 points in the quarter.

However, Red Raider guard Terry Rozier hit a three-pointer from about 30 feet out at the buzzer, giving Shaker a 41-40 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

After a putback layup from center Doug Talentino, Pacsi called time-out with six minutes to go and game tied at 44-44.

"I think we played only six minutes of good team basketball tonight," Pacsi said.

Fortunately, those six minutes were the final six of the game.

Twinsburg was able to push the lead to 55-49 in the final minute after a running layup by point guard Bryan Sims.

However, an ugly jumper from Shaker's Aaron Porter somehow went in with 24 seconds left to cut it to 55-51.

That basket was followed by four quick fouls from Shaker to get the Tigers in the bonus.

Harris missed the first half of a one-on-one, but Shaker's desperation three-pointer fell short, giving the Tigers the win.

Harris and Talentino each finished the game with double-doubles, as Harris put up 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Talentino had 14 points and 10 boards.

Thomas and forward Otis Barrow led the Red Raiders with 13 points each.

"We were lucky tonight," Pacsi said. "Luck can win games, but it doens't win championships."

In the game vs. Parma, Twinsburg took a 46-39 lead after three quarters and then held on for the win.

Talentino led four Tigers in double figures, as he finished with 17 points. Darius Washington, Bruce Alexander and Martel Watson each had 10 points for the Tigers.

Parma lost despite a huge night from guard Justin Roth. Roth nailed eight three-pointers in the game and finished with 43 points.

Pacsi said the Tigers held on despite Parma putting up 37 three-point field goal attempts.

"We played a very good game," Pacsi said. "Roth worked for his shots, but we shut down everyone else."

The Tigers have a big week ahead of them, beginning with a rare Thursday night game Feb. 4 at home vs. Strongsville. The game will be played Feb. 4 to accommodate the Twinsburg Athletic Boosters wrestling tournament Feb. 5 and 6.

Twinsburg will then host a crucial game Feb. 9 vs. Brush, with first-place in the River Division on the line. Game time both nights is at 7:30 p.m.

E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com

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