Westlake used a strong second quarter to beat Grand Lake 55-48 at home Thursday and gain momentum as they hit a key stretch in their schedule.

The Rams entered the game on a two-game losing streak, including an overtime loss to Iowa on Monday. Head coach Doug Morris emphasized rebounding and scoring in the lane after the loss to Iowa, which was the key for the Rams overcoming an 11-8 deficit after the first quarter.

Westlake (9-4) went on a 19-4 run to close out the first half, scoring 16 points in or near the lane. Ryan Allen started the run with a jump shot in the lane and Derrick Thompson scored on a steal and fastbreak to give the Rams a 14-13 lead. Westlake led 29-17 at halftime. Allen finished with 10 points, while Avan Breaux and Gerald Garriet scored 11 points each.

“In the second quarter we were executing and looking to get the ball inside more instead of shooting the ball outside like we did in the first quarter,” Morris said. “In the second quarter, we were trying to attack the bucket.”

Westlake outrebounded Grand Lake (10-7) 30-23, with 13 offensive boards. Kevin Rideau led the Rams with six rebounds, while Austin Clophus and Avan Breaux had five each. Westlake scored 10 points off offensive boards, including their first six points.

“We did a lot better on the boards than we did Monday night, also. That was one thing that I harped on the last couple of days of practice that we had to rebound. They have at least come through in that aspect.”

Westlake will face three top 10 teams over the next two weeks, starting with a road game at Select No. 7 Rosepine on Tuesday and Class C No. 1 Pleasant Hill on Jan. 28. They will open District 3-3A at home against Select No. 8 St. Louis Catholic.

“We have some hard games coming up,” Morris said. “We have Rosepine next week then Pleasant Hill after that.

“Then we start district with St. Louis. We have a few things to work on to get us to execute on the offensive end a little bit better and try to get the ball inside more. I think we will be alright.”

Grand Lake got within four points, 50-46, with 3:15 left in the game on a 3-pointer by J.J. Labove, who scored all his 14 points in the second half. Forward Luis Hernandez added 14 points and seven rebounds.