Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Andrew Johnston needed just two quarters to lead his team in scoring against the Battle Mountain Huskies Saturday night.

Johnston, who went down with an ankle injury shortly before halftime, led Steamboat to a 53-37 win over the Huskies by scoring 14 points in the first half.

He also had six rebounds before he left the game with what is believed to be a bad sprain.

Johnston may miss the Sailors' contest Friday against the Rifle Bears at 7:30 p.m. at home. The Bears currently are undefeated.

Against the Huskies, Ryan Kiely scored 12 points, including nine in the second half. Kiely dished out seven assists and had three steals.

Danny Weber finished with nine points, five rebounds and four steals. And Rusty Eck had nine points and 10 rebounds.

The Sailors trailed 13-12 after one quarter but fought back to grab the halftime lead. They led 25-17 at the intermission and were up 35-22 after the third quarter.

Josh Henry, who led the Huskies with 14 points, was held to three in the second half. He was shut down by the same defense that held Palisade's Garrett Swank to 12 points on Friday.

The Huskies made it a physical game, Sailors coach Kelly Meek said.

Nothing reflected that more than the 25 free throw attempts the Sailors were given. They made 14 of 16 free throws in the final period.

"In the fourth quarter, it was a really, really physical game," Meek said. "It was a madhouse out there. But we stuck the free throws."

The Sailors, who improved to 2-0 in the league, are 9-0 overall.

It was another satisfying performance by the defense, Meek said. On Friday, the Sailors held the Palisade Bulldogs to 32 points.

"Again, we defended real well," Meek said. "We have some offensive work to do.

"We shot it better (Saturday) but it's just that timing factor. I think that will definitely come around."