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Judge coach Dan DelPorto knew that his team needed to improve defensively. After the team's first two games, the Bulldogs allowed an average of more than 73 points a game.

"You're not going to win a lot of games with that defense," DelPorto said.

The Bulldogs responded, holding East to only 15 points in the first half en route to a 62-42 road victory in boys' basketball Wednesday night.

Judge started out playing man defense against 4A leading scorer Parker Van Dyke, allowing him to hit four of his first five shots. DelPorto switched to a zone to limit the sharpshooter's opportunities.

While Van Dyke was hot, the Bulldogs were hotter, hitting four 3-pointers in the first quarter — two each for Jacob Gondrezeck and Patrick Neville — to take a 17-9 lead. Van Dyke scored all nine points for East in the first quarter as his teammates struggled from the field.

The rest of the Leopards missed 11 straight field goals before center Arik Mawien was able to break through with an easy layup with 2:28 left before halftime.

The Bulldogs were able to get it done in the paint, with Alex Mancini using his length to control the boards and get to the foul line nine times.

He hit eight straight free throws after missing his first attempt.

"We thought we had an advantage there," DelPorto said. "Alex [Mancini] really works his butt off all the time — all the time I've known him. He's getting really effective around the basket, taking his time. He's a horse down there for anybody."

Mancini finished the game with 12 points, while Gondrezeck led the Bulldogs with 13 points, including three 3-pointers. Van Dyke led all scorers with 15 points, but was held to only six points after the first quarter, and missed seven straight 3-pointers.

Judge has now won two games in a row, and will begin a five-game home stand against Highland on Friday.

"If we keep playing defense like that, we're going to be a team to reckon with in 3A," DelPorto said.

East fell to 1-3 on the year and will have a day off before facing rival West on the road.