CRYSTAL FALLS — A big fourth quarter was the difference for Superior Central in a boys basketball victory over Forest Park here Monday.

The Cougars trailed 29-28 entering the final quarter before erupting for 25 points in the Skyline Central Conference contest.

“Most of the fourth quarter we ended up in the bonus,” Cougars’ coach Branson Richard said.

“We shot a lot of free throws (22). We had 13 points on free throws in the fourth. It really helped.

“Our defense stepped up. We were real smart with the ball. They were in a situation where they had to foul.”

The Cougars (6-9, 5-7 SC) led 14-4 after the first quarter, setting the tone for the game.

“We started real strong,” Richard said. “We were pretty much hitting everything we put up.

The third quarter had us a little worried but we were able to pull out a big win on the road.

This is real big going into the last five games. Hopefully, we can carry this through the rest of the season and districts.”

Beau Rondeau led the Cougars with a season-high 23 points. Roubens Fink also had a season-high of 17, while D.J. Johns chipped in with 13.

Max Nylund led the Trojans (7-8, 5-6 SC) with 21 points.

The Cougars, who won the jayvee game 31-30, visit Rapid River Wednesday.

Superior Central 14 8 6 25 — 53

Forest Park 4 10 15 18 — 47

Superior Central — B. Rondeau 23, Johns 13, Fink 17. FT: 16-29; F: 12; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: B. Rondeau 4, Johns.

Forest Park — Emmers 4, Hendrickson 4, Franz 5, Johnson 2, Nylund 21, Showers 9, Peltoma 2. FT: 10-21; F: 21l Fouled out: Emmers; 3-point field goals: Nylund 2, Franz.