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Bellaire takes rematch against Bulldogs

BELLAIRE — In their initial meeting, Bellaire had it hands full with Bridgeport, escaping John Havlicek Gymnasium with a hard-earned 69-67 win. Things came much easier for the Big Reds against the Bulldogs Friday night in the House of Champions.

Coach J.R. Battista received stellar performances from Raekwon Pettigrew, Caleb Jewell and Trey Dunn in rolling to an 82-54 triumph. The win improved Bellaire’s record to 6-8, heading into a road clash with John Marshall Tuesday night.

The victory also marked the 101st for Battista in guiding his alma mater.

Pettigrew led all scorers with 26 points, Jewell delivered 21 markers while Dunn was a spark plug off the bench, connecting for 14 tallies.

“We came out with a lot of energy,” Battista said. “We made shots and were active defensively. When you make shots, the game is a lot easier.

“We got contributions from about everyone. We played well in all phases,” added the former Big Reds’ all-stater. “It is a satisfying win and hopefully it is a performance we can build on. We really needed this win.”

Bellaire led from start to finish.

The Big Reds sprinted to a 21-10 lead after the opening quarter. Pettigrew (10) and Jewell (9) did almost all the damage.

The hosts didn’t skip a beat in the second quarter, pouring in 22 more points, taking a 43-26 upper hand into intermission. The multi-talented Pettigrew added eight more markers in the frame.

Any hopes of a Bulldog comeback were dashed immediately at the outset of the second half. Jewell and Pettigrew each buried treys on Bellaire’s initial two possessions as the hosts methodically pulled away.

Bellaire owned a 66-37 cushion entering the final chapter. Jewell had seven third-quarter points, one more than Pettigrew. Dunn drained a pair of bonus bombs in the frame.

Jewell was also a beast on the boards with 12 rebounds. Pettigrew, meanwhile, stuffed the stat sheet with 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a pair of blocks.

Bridgeport was led by sophomore standout Jaleel Vincent. The talented point guard tallied 20 markers for the Bulldogs. Senior Avery Jackson and sophomore Coen Brinker evenly divided 16 counters.

“Bellaire came out and shot the ball really well early,” veteran Bridgeport head coach Donnie Cash noted. “That really set the tone for the game. We got down big early and never recovered.

“We have to learn to play inside-out rather than outside-in. We relied on too many jump shots,” added the former Martins Ferry athletic standout. “But give Bellaire credit. They made shots and played well.”

Bridgeport dropped to 5-7 on the season. The youthful Bulldogs are slated to visit Shadyside Tuesday.

Both teams did a nice job of taking care of the ball. Bellaire committed only eight turnovers, two more than Bridgeport.

Bellaire dropped in 10 three-point goals.

The Big Reds also won the reserve contest.

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