NAPPANEE - Getting a late start on the season, NorthWood fought East Noble through four quarters to pull off their first home victory of the year by defeating East Noble 49-41.

Compared to East Noble's record of 25-2 last year, this year's team is said to be one of Knights coach Marty Johnson's most inexperienced teams in years.

"We were right with them through three quarters, but some of our best players became spectators at the end," Johnson later said. "But we're a young team and we're improving. That's what I care about."

Jumping off to a slow start in the first quarter, the Panthers gave up three three-point shots to Zach Lear of East Noble.

But NorthWood came back, with Bobby Brown scoring 19 points and Aaron Huber scoring 13.

"The whole game mostly centered around both teams' defense," Coach Gunn of NorthWood said.

"We weren't mentally focused in the first quarter; our best players were making easy mistakes."

During the second half, Brown went to the free throw line and made 11 of 17 shots, as East Noble committed 27 fouls. NorthWood accumulated just 11.

"We had a lot of turnover calls on us during the second half," Gunn stated.

"Aaron Huber helped us out with key field goals in the third quarter, which helped us open the game up."

Brown and Huber together also had nine rebounds to help bring the Panthers to victory.

The Knights did get some support from Justin Knox, who had 13 points, including a three-pointer in the fourth quarter and two rebounds.

NorthWood improves its record to 2-0, while East Noble drops to 1-2.

The Panthers will host Fairfield on Saturday. [[In-content Ad]]