HOUGHTON — After a tight first half, the Gladstone Braves boys’ basketball team (7-6) defeated the Houghton Gremlins (1-14) 78-63 in an MHSAA Division 2 district opener in Houghton.

It was the first game back for the Braves since March 9.

“I first have to give props to Houghton,” said Braves coach Mike Cretens. “They gave us their best game all year.

“They were hitting from deep at a high clip.”

All told, the Gremlins had 11 3-point field goals compared to Gladstone’s three.

At the half, the game was tied at 38 with Houghton having the edge (19-17) in the first and Gladstone (21-19) up in the second.

According to Cretens, the Braves had a hard time getting things going on defense.

“We struggled defensively the whole game,” he said. “It could be our long lay off or three-hour bus ride, but we didn’t have our legs defensively.”

In the second half, the Braves put together two 20-point quarters to outscore Houghton 40-25 and take the win.

Cam Ballard (22 points) Ryan Polley (12), Lucas Hughes (10) all hit double digits scoring for the Braves.

Also putting up 14 for Gladstone was Dayton Bernson — whose performance Cretens singled out. Berson earned a double-double with 10 rebounds on top of his scoring.

Miiko Salo led the Gremlins offensively with 15 — including three triples. Shawn Ruotsala, who also hit three 3’s, had 13.

Up next for the Braves will be the Escanaba Eskymos in a Division 3 semifinal Thursday.

“I’m happy we get to move on and take on a high-level basketball team in Esky,” said Cretens. “We have one day to prepare for a high-powered attack. We have to be at our best.

“But, it is March and a huge rivalry where anything can happen!”

Gladstone 17 21 20 20 — 78

Houghton 19 19 12 13 — 63

Gladstone — Hansen 3, Downey 5, Polley 12, Gibbs 4, Ballard 22, Lucas Hughes 10, Castor 8, Bernson 14; F: 20; FT: 12-19; 3-point field goals: Hansen, Downey, Polley.

Houghton — Dueweke 2, Ruotsala 13, Yoon 3, Kieranen 6, Kyle Primeau 7, Salmi 15, Pugh 6, Dylan Primeau 6, Johnson 5; F: 19; FT: 10-19; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Ruotsala 3, Salmi 3, Kieranen 2, Kyle Primeau, Johnson, Yoon.