The St. Thomas Eagles hosted the Magnolia Bulldogs Thursday night and had a huge second half to earn a 56-44 victory. The Eagles improved their record to 25-5 as the Bulldogs fell to 10-7.

Magnolia took a 12-11 lead at the end of the first period but had no trouble increasing that lead during the second quarter. The Bulldogs had a seven-point lead but the Eagles battled back with strong defense and good ball movement. Although the Eagles fought their way back to take a 25-24 lead at half, it could have been more. St. Thomas struggled in their short game as they missed several shots close to the basket down the stretch of the second period.

The cold streak would not last, however. The Eagles came out in the second half and went on an 8-0 run to begin the third quarter.

“They have done this the last two games,” explained Eagles coach Neil Laminack. “They came out flat in the first half, but responded well in the second. “We don’t like toying around with leads because that’s how you get beat.”

After the Eagles went on the 8-0 run, they kept a steady lead throughout the rest of a very physical second half. The referees allowed both teams to play rough as very few fouls were called, not only in the second half, but the entire game.

“We are spoiled in Houston,” said Laminack. “Referees around here let teams play very physical without calling a lot of ticky tack fouls. The physical games favor us more this year than they have in the past.”

Jonathan Strom was the high point scorer for the Eagles with 12 points, and Cody Hill dropped in 11. Preston Campbell for Magnolia was the game’s high point scorer with 13, and not far behind was teammate Ryan Fort with 10.

The Eagles will travel to the Bay Area to face district opponent Bay Area Christian on January 9 as the Bulldogs look to face Woodlands Christian on January 8.  

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