Bettendorf used its height and inside defense to defeat intercity rival Pleasant Valley, 54-45, Tuesday night (12/12) in a contest of state-ranked teams.
The Spartans, last year's state 4A tourney runner-up and ranked seventh this season, kept the contest close in the first half with good outside shooting and a tenacious defense, but it wasn't enough to offset a significant height advantage and inside presence of Bulldog bigmen Joe Speth, Chris Bitter, Mike Thompson and Troy Rorer.
Bettendorf opened up an 11-point margin in the third period, but saw the lead cut to five early in the fourth before getting to the line to pad the final margin of victory.
Bettendorf is ranked ninth in the 4A poll, but is certain to move up after notching its third win of the young season without a loss.
In the girls varsity match-up, Pleasant Valley came back from a five-point half deficit to win going away, 41-31. The Bulldogs scored only 10 points in the second half, after looking in control the first two quarters.
For additional photos of the games, click on the "Read More" link below.
