TUPPERS PLAINS, Ohio — The Belpre boys basketball team went into Tuesday night’s contest at Eastern needing a win to clinch a share of the Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division title. The Golden Eagles got just what they needed with a 51-31 victory over Eastern, their second of the year.

After Eastern (5-13, 3-13 TVC Hocking) scored the opening two points of the game, Belpre (14-5, 13-2) went on a 9-3 run over the remainder of the first period.

The host Eagles turned it around and started the second period on a 7-2 run to grab the lead. Belpre responded with a 6-0 run to end the half up by five, 17-12.

The third quarter was a crucial part of the game as the Golden Eagles as they scored 21 points. Eastern had 10 points in the third, which was the only period in which the Green and Gold scored double digits.

BHS closed regulation with a 13-9 run to cruise to their 14 victory of the season, 51-31.

Eastern was led in scoring by Chase Cook, who had 11 points in the contest, followed by Kirk Pullins with nine. Christian Amsbary had five points for EHS, while Max Carnahan finished with four points. Jacob Parker rounded out the Eagles scoring with two points.

Belpre was led by Jake Ullman with 25 points, and Ryan Leasure with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Eastern returns to action Friday in Racine at 6 p.m. where they hope to repeat their Dec. 20th victory over in-county rival Southern.

Belpre 51, Eastern 31

B 9-8-21-13 — 51

E 5-7-10-9 — 31

BELPRE (14-5, 13-2 TVC Hocking): Drew Nestor 1 0-0 2, Dakota Hoffman 2 2-2 6, Jake Ullman 8 4-6 25, Bryce Pittenger 0 1-2 1, Ryan Leasure 3 4-5 10, Joel Byers 0 1-2 1, Nick Theriault 2 2-2 6. TOTALS: 16 14-19 51. Three-point goals: 5 (Ullman 5). Field goals: 16-29 (.552). Rebounds: 26.

EASTERN (5-13, 3-13 TVC Hocking): Max Carnahan 1 2-4 4, Christian Amsbary 2 1-2 5, Jacob Parker 1 0-0 2, Kirk Pullins 4 1-2 9, Chase Cook 3 5-9 11. TOTALS: 11 9-17 31. Three-point goals: none. Field goals: 11-39 (.282). Rebounds: 25. Turnovers: 17.