Last season, Eastland eliminated Newman in the regional finals and went on to finish second in the state in Class 1A.

Tuesday night on their home court, the Comets got a big early-season win by beating the Cougars 57-50 in a battle of two undefeated teams.

“We knew Eastland was going to be a really, really tough game,” Newman’s John Rowzee said. “I think we struggled here and there and we definitely didn’t play our best, but we got it done.”

Newman (5-0) used a strong third quarter to take control after trailing 27-26 at halftime. The Comets outscored Eastland 16-6 in the frame, taking a 42-33 lead entering the fourth quarter as the Cougars (3-1) struggled to make shots.

Garret Matznick (six points) sunk a 3-pointer nearly from the logo to finish the third quarter.

George Jungerma

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