WINDHAM, OH- On Tuesday night the Windham Bombers hosted the Rootstown Rovers at Marty Hill Court in a matchup of two win teams. Both teams were looking to break multiple game losing streaks and get their season going in the right direction. Windham used a big second half and a big performance from senior guard Carlos Bruton to grab a big 68-47 win.
The Bombers and Bruton started hot to open the game as they took a 14-3 lead with Bruton accounting for 11 of those points on several drives to the hoop.
After a timeout, the Rovers were able to gain a little momentum closing the quarter on an 8-2 run with Dean Abdlrasul scoring the final four points including a layup at the buzzer. The Bombers led 16-11 after one.
Windham started quick in quarter two after buckets by Bruton and Nick Hopper pushed the lead out to 9. After and Abdlrasul basket, Bruton scored three points to make it a 23-13 lead. The Rovers would then can back to back three balls by Noah Zager and Zach Hays to cut the deficit to four. With about four minutes to play in the half, Bruton picked up his 3rd foul and had to sit the remainder of the 2nd quarter. Rootstown looked to take advantage as they cut it to a two point game at 25-23 after back to back buckets from Carson Hayn.
Windham was able to hold on to a 29-26 lead going into the half. Bruton had a game high 18 points in the first half.
Carlos Bruton would get the scoring started in the 3rd quarter. After an Ethan White three for Rootstown, the teams exchanged baskets/free throws for the next few minutes. Windham's lead was 38-34 midway through the 3rd. Bruton would hit a three that sparked a run for the Bombers.
His and-one conversion shortly after gave Windham a 48-34 lead. After a Blake Mullaly three for Rootstown, the Bombers scored the final four points to complete a 14-3 run giving them a 52-37 lead after three.
Windham started the 4th on a 7-2 run to go up 20. A Brandon Petrich and-one conversion off of a rebound and put back gave the Bombers a 64-41 lead.
Bruton would hit one more three ball to complete his 35 point performance before exiting. Windham cruised in the 4th quarter to a 68-47 win.
It was a brilliant and efficient 35 point / 9 rebound performance from Bruton who was a perfect 4/4 from beyond the arc. Nick Hopper chipped in with 11 points and 4 rebounds.
Blake Mullaly led the Rovers with 13 points.
The Bombers will host Fairport Harding on Friday while the Rovers will travel to Mogadore.
Postgame interviews with Nick Hopper, Carlos Bruton and head coach Cody Apthorpe.
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