Stevenson’s basketball team shot the ball from downtown often on Tuesday night. As a result, the team made over 50 percent of attempts from the 3-point line.

Coach Mark LaCombe said it’s something to get used to.

Stevenson (6-1, 2-0 MAC Red) earned a 78-46 win against MAC Red Division opponent Eisenhower (5-1, 1-1 MAC Red) behind 57.4 percent shooting from the field.

“When we share it well, we put points on the board,” LaCombe said. “That’s what it was about today. We knew today was huge to establish who we are in the league. We really did that at a high-level today.”

Senior guard Brandon Michrina tossed in 21 points for the Titans, while 6-foot-8 senior center Ethan Peck chipped in 16 points and a plethora of rebounds for a double-double.

“Ethan ran the floor well, which got him some early points,” LaCombe said. “He controls rebounds when he gets them, which is a big important from where he was a year ago. For Ethan, he’s as valuable for us as anybody.”

Michrina only had 13 points entering the fourth quarter, but he put the finishing touch on Stevenson’s blowout with three baskets in a row for eight points to start the final eight minutes.

Peck scored the first points of the game just 51 seconds into the contest on a layup, and Stevenson never looked back. Eisenhower took its only lead, 5-4, on a 3-pointer from junior Matteo Candela, but a 15-4 run put Stevenson in the driver’s seat.

The run was paced by senior guard Ayhem Hanna, who found the bottom of the net on three-straight 3-pointers. He had 14 points at halftime and never scored again.

“The thing for us is to shoot good shots,” LaCombe said. “We have so many good shooters. We have four or five legit 3-point shooting threats. It’s a huge part of our offense.”

Midway through the second quarter, as 3:42 remained, Stevenson senior guard Jerry Wilson put a shot-fake on Eisenhower’s Lorenzo DiLisio and sent him to the sideline bleachers.

Faking DiLisio out of bounds, Wilson stood all alone at the left wing and buried a 3-pointer to put his team in front, 32-20.

Even with a 42-25 halftime advantage, Stevenson kept its foot on the gas pedal.

Senior guard Ray Sumpter went coast-to-coast on a steal-and-score for a 21-point lead with 6:19 remaining in the third quarter. The defensive play translating into offense is something LaCombe preached to his squad throughout the offseason and into pre-season practice.

“The thing for me is that we defend,” LaCombe mentioned. “We challenge shots better than anybody around. We contested all but maybe four shots tonight. And we can shoot – that makes us dangerous.” 

Stevenson senior center Steven Nichols entered the game for the first time with four minutes remaining. Sending the crowd into a frenzy, he drew a charge on his opening defensive possession. Nichols added two points and five rebounds.

LaCombe, with a smile on his face, said getting Nichols into the game and watching him produce was his favorite moment from the contest.

“The one thing that separates us from others is our chemistry,” LaCombe added. “We have unbelievable chemistry from top to bottom. For Steven, who doesn’t get a lot of time, to go right in and contribute is what makes this awesome.”

Candela scored a team-high 14 points for Eisenhower in the loss. Junior Anthony Cukaj added nine for the Eagles.

While Stevenson shot with success, Eisenhower made just 32.7 percent of attempts from the field and 22.7 percent from 3-point range.