ROCHESTER – A strong start paved the way to a Three Rivers Conference win Friday night for the Tippecanoe Valley boys basketball team. The Vikings led 20-9 after the opening frame en route to topping host Rochester 50-43 in league play.

Neil Clampitt tossed in a game-high 17 points to lead the winning effort for Valley.

Alex Thacker netted 13 points and Chandler O’Connor had nine points and 11 rebounds for the winners.

Alec Holland paced Rochester with 10 points.

Valley, which snapped a short two-game losing skid, led 27-20 at halftime and 37-31 after three quarters after taking the big early lead on the Zebras.

Valley improves to 6-5 overall and goes to 2-0 in the TRC. Rochester, which has lost five of its last six games, drops to 3-7 and 2-1.

Rochester edged the Vikings 39-38 in the JV contest.

Valley plays at Winamac tonight. Rochester plays at Caston Tuesday night.