Defense, third quarter help Bulldogs boys spurt past Spartans

West Allis - An athletic, aggressive defense, super senior savvy and a momentum-tipping third-quarter run helped West Allis Central defeat Brookfield East, 58-50, on a cold, snow-draped night in West Allis.

For much of the game, the matchup resembled a head-to-head slugfest between local powers Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin.

One team was in white jerseys, with patterned rectangles running down the sides. The other was in solid cardinal red, with white and black lettering and trim. The Bulldogs, the ones in white, were intensely defensive-minded and comfortable in the open-court. They skied high for rebounds, stampeded down court and slashed to the hole.

The Spartans were guard-heavy, ball control-minded and possession-oriented. They set screens, ran complex sets and called out plays that echoed through the cavernous arena.

After a close first half, the Bulldogs got hot in the third quarter and found some breathing room. A 14-4 run, keyed by a trio of seniors, pushed the score to 34-24 with five minutes remaining in the period, and Central never trailed again.

Central's man-to-man defense tightened during that stretch. The players jumped passing lanes, stripped balls, forced turnovers, plucked steals and raced the other way.

East didn't go down without a fight, as swingman Brian Smith (20 points) scored five times on six possessions to keep the Spartans within striking range, as close as 45-40.

Central's trio of forwards, Darvell Brown, Tonnie Collier and Najeal McMillian, was just too talented for East. McMillian finished with 16 points, Collier had 10 points and 10 rebounds and Brown was the crowd favorite, blocking multiple shots and even pinning one to the glass.

They had plenty of help from the Bulldog guards, who hounded East on the perimeter and transitioned play into the open court. Brandon Key chipped in 11 points, Ron Turkvan played lock-down defense and dished out seven assists and Jarvis Garrett added five steals for the Bulldogs.

"They do so many things to make you uncomfortable," East coach Andy Farley said. "I was worried about their height and athleticism, especially on defense and in rebounding. I was worried about their speed in the open court. But I thought we'd be all right, so long as we took care of the ball. I hadn't considered how tough they would be to defend."

The Bulldogs also downed Racine Horlick, 67-43, on Jan. 17 behind 35 points from Garrett, who hit six 3-point field goals on the night. Key added eight points and Turkvan, Brown and McMillian six apiece.

Central actually picked up three victories last week, as Menomonee Falls had to forfeit its earlier 66-47 triumph over the Bulldogs due to the use of an ineligible player.

Central did lose a 66-62 decision to Marian Catholic of Illinois in a rare Sunday game.

The Bulldogs thus came into this week at 5-2 in the Greater Metro Conference and 9-4 overall. They visit Sussex Hamilton (3-4, 7-7) at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 and welcome West Allis Hale (0-7, 3-10) at 6 p.m. on Jan. 31.