LINDEN &045; All cylinders were clicking for the Linden Patriots as they whipped the Marengo Panthers, 79-37.

The Patriots played as if they were shot out of a cannon in the first quarter. They outscored Marengo, 20-8, in the first seven and a half minutes into the game.

The scoring was spread around where by the end of the first quarter all five starters had at least one field goal.

Linden’s second quarter resembled the first, as their size posed problems for the Panthers. The Patriot defense was all over the court in the second quarter, which led to several fast-break opportunities, including two dunks.

The rebounding advantage, the defense, and getting out on the breaks helped Linden build a 25-point lead in the first half of play. They were also getting and hitting shots from the inside and outside. They took care of business early to all, but put the game away, going into half time with a 41-16 advantage.

The second half wasn’t any different than the first half for both teams. Marengo found it difficult to score, while the Patriots kept up the intensity, including players coming in off the bench. The Linden would out score the Panthers, 39-21, in the second half of play to walk away with the win.

Sean Richardson shared scoring honors for Linden with Kendarius Goodwill, netting 15 points each. Gary Williams added 11 points. Zach Comton contributed 10 points off the bench. Larrence Pritchett scored 12 points for Marengo and Ken Jones chipped in 10.