ERIE — The Eisenhower Knights used a big first quarter and the hot shooting of junior Derek Guiher, who sank seven 3-pointers, to defeat Erie Prep Academy 80-59 in Region 3 boys basketball Tuesday.

Eisenhower jumped out to a 23-9 lead behind four 3-pointers — two each from Austin Hanson and Guiher — and they never looked back.

Guiher continued his hot shooting in the second quarter as he drained four more 3-pointers to pace the Knights to a 44-24 halftime lead.

It was Hanson’s turn in the third quarter. He led the knights with 9 points, including 6 of 8 from the free-throw line, to help the knights to a 62-44 lead at the end of three quarters.

The Knights were able to rest some players in the fourth quarter with a big game coming up against Mercyhurst Prep.

“We came out strong and we were able to build a lead,” Eisenhower head coach Ryan Mangini said. “I have to give a shoutout to Derek Guiher, he has been shooting well and that showed tonight.”

The Knights were led by Hanson’s 25 points and Guiher’s 22. High game-scoring honors went to Erie Prep’s Henry Rodriguez, who tallied 28 points.

Eisenhower is back in action on Friday against Mercyhurst Prep. The game will be a rare twin bill featuring the girls varsity at 6 p.m. with the boys game to follow.

EISENHOWER (80)

Hanson 7 8 25, Seymour 2 5 9, Lindemuth 2 0 4, Chase 3 0 6, Guiher 7 1 22, Gigliotto 1 0 2, Mandeville 4 1 10, Reynolds 1 0 2, Russell 0 0 0, Palmieri 0 0 0. Totals 27 15 80.

ERIE PREP (59)

Montille 0 0 0, Lawal 0 2 2, HRodriguez 12 1 28, Wang 6 2 15, ARodriguez 1 0 3, Castano 2 1 5, Thompson 1 0 2, Sina 0 0 0, Benitez 2 0 4, Lopez 0 0 0, Redd 0 0 0. Totals 24 6 59.

3-point goals–Hanson 3, Guiher 7, Mandeville, HRodriguez 3, Wang, ARodriguez.

Eisenhower 23 21 18 18 — 80

Erie Prep 9 15 20 15 — 59