Boys basketball: Big second half sparks Spartans win

When Brookfield East fell behind 32-25 at halftime at West Allis Hale, things weren't looking good for the Spartans, who were riding a four-game losing streak going into Friday night.

But the Spartans used an 18-7 third quarter to outscore the Huskies, 39-22 in the second half to coast to a 10-point win, 64-54.

"We had a nice third quarter - it was the best defense we played all year," East coach Andy Farley said. "Our defense created a lot of the offense for us.

"I was happy with the energy and focus we had in the locker room. The kids were excited. We've been in kind of a grind playing Tuesday/Friday. We had some tough losses in that stretch, so this was nice."

Mikey Novak led the way with 21 points, including 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. The 6-foot-5-inch junior kept the Spartans in the game with 11 first-half points and then added 10 second-half points, six in the fourth period.

Junior point guard Ryan McBride scored 20 points, going 12-for-12 from the free-throw line. He had 10 first-half points and then scored six free throws in the final period.

Junior guard Jake Weismueller also stepped up with 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and junior guard Brian Smith had eight.

"Jake Weismueller came up gave us a solid start offensively and defensively," Farley said. "That was what you need sometimes to get over a hump. Steve Tongas also played well. We got a lot from different guys."

The Spartans are playing without junior starting guard Nick Kanavas, who has a knee injury.

East is now tied for fifth with Sussex Hamilton, each with 5-6 records, in the Greater Metro Conference. The Spartans are 8-10 overall with four games left, three in GMC play.