MERCERVILLE, Ohio — A slow start erased by late game defense led to the Rebels second straight win.

The South Gallia boys basketball allowed just three fourth-quarter points to visiting Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division foe Trimble Tuesday night to allow the Rebels to comeback and take the 45-42 victory.

Trimble (3-4, 2-2 TVC Hocking) jumped out to an early 13-4 lead at the end of the first period. SGHS got its offense going with 21 points in the second quarter cutting the lead to just two points at half.

The Rebel offense struggled again in the third period, as it scored just five points over eight minutes. THS scored 12 in the third and led 39-30 headed into the finale.

South Gallia closed the game on a 15-to-3 run in the final period to take the 45-42 victory.

The Rebels were led by Brayden Greer with 12 points and Alex Stapleton with 10. Kody Lambart had seven points, Gus Slone chipped in with five, Mikey Wheeler notched four points and Ethan Swain finished with three. Landon Hutchinson and CJ Johnston each finished with two points apiece to round out the SGHS scoring.

South Gallia went 17-of-22 (77.3 percent) from the charity stripe led by Greer who was 8-of-9.Swain and Lambart each hit a three pointer for the Rebels.

Trimble was led by Jacob Koons with nine points, Jake Kish with eight points and Austin Downs with eight points. THS shot 7-of-15 (46.7 percent) from the line, while Koons hit the Tomcats only three-pointer on the night.

These two teams are scheduled to meet again on January 29th in Glouster.