Griffins big from behind the arc

Updated: March 23, 2011 9:18AM

Facing Lincoln-Way Central's 2-3 zone, it was bombs away for Lincoln-Way East on Tuesday night.

The Griffins hit 11 three-pointers and pulled away in the second half, snapping a three-game losing streak with a 52-31 win over the rival Knights in a SouthWest Suburban Blue game.

"They sagged on us and the outside was open," East coach Rich Kolimas said. "It's always nice to knock down some shots. Jay (Yancy) and Matt Spudic were big for us."

Yancy (19 points) and Spudic (12 points) each hit four treys to lead the Griffins (14-11, 7-6).

Brad Foster paced Central (11-17, 2-11) with 12 points and nine rebounds.

East drained four second-quarter three-pointers, accounting for 12 of its 14 points in the period, to take a 25-20 lead to the break.

Yancy had eight points in the second quarter and five more during a 10-2 run to open the second half.

"I had the hot hand for awhile," Yancy said. "This was a fun game for us. We needed a win."

Central was within 35-28 early in the fourth quarter before the Griffins delivered the final daggers from long range as Spudic hit three treys and Yancy another in a 2:13 span.

Evan Branyik added seven points and seven rebounds for the Knights, who were held to 4 of 18 shooting from the field in the second half.

"We kept their three-point shooters in check and tried to get out on everyone," Kolimas said. "We didn't play well last week and we want to finish strong."

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