A 22-point third quarter helped the visiting Titans pull away from the Falcons in the season opener for both teams.
Denis Kirichenko grabbed offensive rebounds on four pivotal possessions in the third quarter to key the Union surge as a four-point halftime lead grew to 15 points after three quarters.
Cameron Cranston scored 19 points to pace the Titans, while Kirichenko and Nico Bricker each contributed 13 points. Union’s offense was bolstered by nine 3-pointers.
“They just kind of turned it up a notch” in the third quarter, Prairie coach Kyle Brooks said. “We lost the rebound battle tonight and that was the big difference.”
For Prairie, Ronnie McPherson scored 15 points, Seth Hall scored 11 and Greg Bernash had seven rebounds.
UNION 64, PRAIRIE 47
UNION — Keithen Shepard 3, Brennan Paulson 0, Zach Reznick 6, Tyler Combs 8, Carson Brucher 0, Nico Bricker 13, Christian Agarpo 0, Kai Gamble 2, Cameron Cranston 19, Denis Kirichenko 13. Totals 22 (9) 11-16 64.
PRAIRIE — Palmer Goecke 0, Kameron Osborn 3, Braiden Broadbent 3, Michael Stockbridge 2, Seth Hall 11, Ethan Rouse 0, Chase Lund 3, Dwayne Stewart 2, Greg Bernash 8, Ronnie McPherson 15, Matthew Kogler 0. Totals 19 (3) 6-8 47.
Union 14 8 22 20–64
Prairie 7 11 11 18–47
JV — Union 49-45. C — Prairie 64-61.
