FREDERICK, Md. – The Cumberland Valley Christian Blazers got off to a slow start but battled back to defeat New Life Christian 44-35 Friday evening in a Mason-Dixon Christian Conference boys basketball game.

“There was nothing easy about this win tonight,” Blazers coach Austin Sanders said. “We were able to dominate the boards and play really good defense, but we really struggled to put the ball in the basket. I think our offensive sets allowed us to have good looks at the rim, but we just have to execute and finish. All in all we are happy with the win and looking forward to next week (Tuesday at Grace Academy).”

The Blazers (4-5, 2-1 MDCC) trailed 14-11 at the end of the first quarter but held New Life to five points in the second quarter to hold a 21-19 halftime edge. New Life led briefly in the third period before the Blazers took control by outscoring New Life 12-6 in the final period.

Caleb Eckert pulled down 20 rebounds, scored 15 points and handed out six assists for the Blazers, who held a 35-28 advantage on the boards and created 18 turnovers.

Blaine Minnier led the Blazers in scoring with a game-high 19 points. Kenneth Hott added four points, while Triston Horn, Nathan Statler and Isaac Kauffeldt scored two points each.