The boys varsity basketball team defeated Belmont Hill 70-52 on Wednesday, January 18, for their seventh win of the season.

The opening minutes of the game did not work in Loomis Chaffee’s favor, as Belmont Hill drilled a three-pointer on its very first possession and built a 10-4 lead just a few minutes into the game.

A timeout and a few quick changes from head coach Rock Battistoni got the Pelicans’ offense rolling, and a deep three-pointer from senior Jordan Stiemke jolted the team to life. With the score tied at 13, the two teams exchanged points until the score was 22-22. Another big three-pointer, this time from junior Caleb Crawford, broke open the game, and the Pelicans led for the rest of the game.

Belmont Hill made a push of its own in the second, and at one point the Pelican lead was just three points. But a 16-0 Pelican run behind senior Justas Bardauskas, who caused problems for the Belmont Hill defense with his relentless effort and pace, put the game out of reach for the visitors. Bardauskas finished the game with 18 points.

Four Loomis players finished the game with more than 10 points, led by junior Kingston Walker, who had a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and one block.

Up next, Loomis hosts Choate in the Olcott Center on Friday, January 20, at 6:30 p.m.