Boys’ Basketball

Norwich 58, Susquehanna Valley 47

CONKLIN – Norwich chopped down an opponent with much bigger size, and won its fifth straight game to start the season beating Susquehanna Valley on the road Friday night.

The Tornado, facing a formidable SV front line that featured 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-6 starters, won the rebounding battle, did not give up an offensive rebound in the first half, and forced 19 turnovers to lead 32-20 at the break. The only shortfall on the Tornado’s ledger was less than 30 percent shooting in the first half.

“For us to outrebound that team, given the size differential, is a testament to the heart and desire of this team,” said Norwich coach Mark Abbott.

Jon Foulds had his best all-around game for Norwich this season finishing with 16 points, 15 rebounds, five steals, six assists, and four blocked shots. Norwich upped its lead to 19 after three periods, but had to withstand SV’s early fourth-quarter spurt.

The Sabers started the final quarter on a 10-0 run to close to within nine points. “We didn’t play good offense at the start of the quarter,” Abbott said. “We were shooting the ball too quickly and weren’t making good choices.”