OSCODA - Jan. 11, 2008 - Tawas Area has had its problems shooting the ball this season, but for one night those issues seemed to be a thing of the past.

At least, once Friday's game at Oscoda started.

The Braves were assessed a technical foul for dunking during warm-ups, but went on to hit eight 3-pointers, including four by Phil Barnes, as they rolled to a 68-43 NEMC boys basketball victory over the Owls.

Six of those treys came in the first half as Tawas built a 37-21 halftime lead.

"Fortunately, we came out with very good energy defensively," said Tawas coach Todd Kaems. "(We) held Oscoda to just seven first quarter points, largely due to the play of Shaun Jordan disrupting their offense."

Barnes, who finished with a game-high 28 points, poured it on with 13 more in the third quarter as the Braves pulled away.

"Certainly the difference tonight was shooting," said Oscoda coach Scott Lueck. "I though both offenses worked hard to get shots. Tawas got more opportunities near the basket and the were red-hot from outside."

The two teams were virtually even in rebounds (37-37) and turnovers (Oscoda 19, Tawas 15). But the Braves shot 8-of-10 from beyond the arc to the Owls' 29 percent, and held a 42-28 percentage edge on two-pointers.

The Braves also held Oscoda's Adam Dettmer to nine points, less than half his average, and Jason Jimenez to to seven.

"We have been waiting for our offense to click all year, and it was nice to have that happen in such a big game," Kaems said. "Any time you can win on Oscoda's home floor, it's a big accomplishment. Oscoda has a nice team, with two exceptional offensive players. Barnes and Jesse Siwek did a great job on Dettmer and Jimenez."

"Both teams played hard," Lueck said. "I applaud Tawas for their ability to score, whether going to the basket or making the open shot."

Siwek added 14 points for the Braves (5-2, 3-1 NEMC), with Dale Kolnitys adding eight.

Mike Leveille led the Owls (5-3, 1-3) with 10.