WARSAW – A great defensive effort, especially in the final half, powered the Warsaw boys freshman basketball team to a victory over visiting Wawasee Thursday night.

The Tigers held the Warriors to just three points in the second half en route to a 43-12 win in a Northern Lakes Conference contest.

Riley Rhoades scored 12 points and Ben Linky netted eight to lead the frosh Tigers to the convincing win.

Paul Marandet had five points and Lucas Cone and Xavier Lynch each four for Warsaw. Tyler Packard, Bailey Ness, Evan Schmidt, Matt Anthony and Lamain Rucker each added two points.

Caleb Garner had three steals for the Tigers, while Luke Wilson and Lamain Rucker each had six rebounds and Tyler Johnson two assists.

Warsaw hosts Penn Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Tiger Classic.