Dowagiac held off a challenge from visiting South Haven to set up Monday’s showdown with Edwardsburg for first place in the Wolverine Conference West Division.

The Chieftains led 23-14 early only to have the Rams cut the lead to two points heading to the fourth quarter.

Dowagiac erupted for 20 points to earn a 69-59 victory.

After leading by nine after the first quarter, South Haven cut the Chieftains’ lead to 34-31 at halftime and 49-47 after three quarters.

Dowagiac outscored the Rams 20-12 in the final eight minutes.

Daquan Brooks led a balanced Chieftain attack with 17 points. Harry Reed finished with 13, Keoante Blackamore 12 and Brandon Winchester-Jones with 11.

James Smith led South Haven with 14 points. Spencer Adams chipped in with 11.

Dowagiac will travel to Edwardsburg Monday night. Tip-off is set for approximately 7:15 p.m.

 

DOWAGIAC 69, SOUTH HAVEN 59

South Haven 59

Jerome Mahone 2, Spencer Adams 11, Trenton Smiley 0, Alec Washegesic 6, Darion Gist 3, Adrian Cobbs 8, James Smith 14, Deon Cooper 6, Chris Herrera 0, Armani May 9. TOTALS: 22 12-18 59

Dowagiac 69

Daquan Brooks 17, Harry Reed 13, Bryce Dodd 2, Brandon Winchester-Jones 11, Deyonte Sullivan 0, Leroy Lewis 8, Tevin Fowlkes 6, Keoante Blackamore 12. TOTALS: 25 8-11 69

 

South Haven              14       31       47       59

Dowagiac                    23       34       49       69

3-point baskets: South Haven 3 (Washegesic 2, Gist), Dowagiac 11 (Brooks 4, Reed 3, Winchester-Jones, Fowlkes 2, Blackamore); Total fouls (fouled out): South Haven 15 (none), Dowagiac 13 (none). Varsity records: South Haven 8-1, 4-1 West; South Haven 4-4, 1-3 West