Tawas erupts for best offensive performance this season in 74-66 victory over Houghton Lake (Recap)

Tawas came into Monday’s contest against Houghton Lake fresh not having played a game in a week and a half and the break gave them a boost in the beginning and never looked back in their 74-66 victory over Houghton Lake.

Tawas started early going up 10-0 forcing Houghton Lake to take an early time out from there Tawas and Houghton Lake traded buckets before Tawas took a 22-12 lead after the first quarter.

The second quarter the teams played even again as Tawas’ Owen Irvin got going and led the Braves with 12 points despite three first half fouls as they took a 39-29 lead into the half.

The third quarter Irvin came back into the game as Houghton Lake was inching their way back without the Braves main ball handler on the court. Irvin’s time on the court was short though as he soon picked up his fourth foul and was forced to take a seat again. Tawas managed to keep the lead 54-48 going into the fourth.

Again in the fourth Irvin came back and had a short stay fouling out on a questionable call with almost five minutes left. That’s where Michael Anderson stepped up for the Braves the senior put on a gutsy performance also playing with four fouls most of the fourth quarter.

“Owen’s our best player so I knew someone had to step up and that’s what I had to do.”

The Braves ability to knock down free throws and get rebounds late in the game was the difference as Houghton Lake couldn’t quite get over the hump and Tawas played one of their most complete games all season against a tough Houghton Lake team.

The Braves were led by Anderson with 22 points and Irvin who added 17 points despite playing just 15 minutes. Houghton Lake was led by John Steckler with 15 points.

The Braves (6-10) look for their third straight win tonight as they travel to take on the Hale Eagles. Houghton Lake (10-6) return to action Thursday in a big Jack Pine conference matchup at Harrison.