Times Observer photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower’s Austin Hanson (14) defends a Seneca player during Saturday’s Region 2 boys basketball game in Russell.

RUSSELL — The Eisenhower boys basketball team used a big first half to defeat the Seneca Bobcats 57-27 in Region 2 action Saturday to improve to 7-2 overall and 2-0 in Region 2.

Eisenhower was red hot on offense to start the game and used a stifling defense to turn several Seneca turnovers into points in the opening quarter to jump out to a 16-2 lead. The advantage was 18-8 after eight minutes behind sophomore Austin Hanson’s 8 points.

The Knights defense continued its aggressive play as they held the Bobcats to just 6 points in the second quarter to extend their lead to 30-14 at the half.

“The guys have been consistently good over the last few games, hustling after every rebound, forcing turnovers and making big plays,” Eisenhower head coach Ryan Mangini said.

Eisenhower used Hanson’s 10 points in the third quarter to outscore the Bobcats 20-9 and extend their lead to 50-23, which allowed Mangini to rest his starters.

“The guys have been doing a great job of moving the ball around and as a result has led to open shots,” Mangini said. “Senior Jaydon Chase has been doing a great job these last three games of doing the little things that people don’t always notice, his on-ball defense, rebounding and screening has really stood out and is one of the reasons for our recent success.”

Hanson led all scorers with 18 points and was a perfect 8 for 8 from the free-throw line. Tammates Casey Seymour and Will Mandeville each chipped in 10 points.

G.T. Rupp led the Bobcats with 10 points.

The Knights are back in action at home Tuesday for an important region game against Mercyhurst Prep. Jayvee action tips off at 6 p.m. with the varsity game immediately following.

SENECA (27)

Deane 3 0 6, JJagta 0 0 0, Nies 0 0 0, Rupp 5 0 10, CJagta 0 0 0, Boyd 2 0 5, Reitsma 0 0 0, Zacks 0 0 0, Wettekin 1 0 2, Peterson 2 0 4, Burlingham 0 0 0, Moats 0 0 0, Pring 0 0 0, Wetzel 0 0 0, Szymanski 0 0 0. Totals 13 0 27.

EISENHOWER (57)

Hanson 5 8 18, Seymour 5 0 10, Lindemuth 2 0 5, Chase 1 0 2, Guiher 3 0 9, Gigliotti 1 1 3, Mandeville 4 0 10, Reynolds 0 0 0, Russell 0 0 0, Palmieri 0 0 0. Totals 21 9 57.

3-point goals–Boyd, Lindemuth, Guiher 3, Mandeville 2.

Seneca 8 6 9 4 — 27

Eisenhower 18 12 20 7 — 57