It was tight for all of the first half, but the Marlboro Dukes started finding their game in the third quarter.

They trailed the Highland Huskies after the first quarter, built a single-digit lead at halftime on their way to a 55-43 win over the Highland Huskies on Saturday afternoon.

“We had our hands full with their point guard (Lizzie Lofaro) and Hannah Polumbo,” Highland coach Michael Geller said. “They have the outside shooters that keep you honest. I look forward to playing them again. It’s just a matter of who can execute better.”

The Huskies won’t have long to wait as the two teams will face off again on Thursday at Marlboro High School as this month-long COVID-19-shortened season winds to a close at the end of February.

“I want to make sure they’re enjoying this year,” Geller said. “It’s a bonus to do this. I feel like we’ve taken the precautions to be safe with practices. I hope they’re doing the right things outside.”

The Huskies were doing the right things, especially in the first quarter as they found themselves ahead at the end of the first quarter.

After Marlboro scored four straight points in the game’s first two minutes, Roman Icis hit a basket and Grace Koehler knocked down the first of her five 3-point baskets to give the Huskies a 1-point lead. Koehler scored a team-high 15 points.

“I was really happy with the way the girls played,” Geller said. “They’re boxing out looked great today. Their movement of the ball was better, and their shot selection was good.”

The Dukes tied the game about halfway through the second quarter when Lofaro hit a free throw and then she gave Marlboro the lead for good with her first 3-pointer of the game. She knocked down three from long-range on her way to a game-high 17 points.

When Lofaro got going, so did her team as the Dukes outscored the Huskies 14-6 the second quarter to take a 23-16 lead at the break.

After Highland scored the first four points of the third quarter, a 3 by Ella Leduc and a three-point play from Lofaro gave the Dukes a 10-point lead Marlboro opened a 51-29 after Leduc knocked down a pair of free throws with 2:44 left in the game.

The Huskies had a strong finish as they went on a 13-4 run to the end of the game.

“They left with a positive experience. and that’s what I’m looking for,” Geller said.

Marlboro coach Gary Trapani could not be reached by press time.