HURON – A pair of streaks continued Friday night at the Huron Arena.

Huron won its third straight while sending Aberdeen Central to its eighth straight setback in a 56-38 Eastern South Dakota Conference boys’ basketball decision.

The Tigers led just 24-19 midway through the second quarter before scoring nine unanswered points to close the half and Central never recovered.

“We played hard, but struggled to put a run together to get back in it,” said Central coach Brent Norberg. “I’m proud of the effort these kids give. We are going to keep working on things and try to get better.”

Huron’s Blake Ellwein played a key role in the contest. The 6-foot-9 junior finished with 28 points, nine rebounds, two blocked shots, and four steals.

Chase Davis added points 13, and Anderson Porisch finished with 11 for the Tigers, who improved to 12-5 on the season.

Luke Swanson topped Central with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Brendan Phillips contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Central fell to 2-13 with the setback. The Golden Eagles will host Watertown on Tuesday at Golden Eagles Arena. Central’s last win came against the Arrows in mid-January.

“Always a close battle,” Norberg said of the Central-Watertown matchups. “Two teams needing some wins to get in the playoffs.”

ABERDEEN CENTRAL (2-13): Brendan Phillips 3 1-2 10, Luke Swanson 3 4-4 12, Colby Dauwen 1 0-2 2, Jacob Weishaar 2 0-2 4, Jack Bertsch 2 0-0 4, Michael Dutenhoffer 1 0-0 2, Turner Bergan 0 2-2 2. Totals 12-39 7-12 36.

HURON (12-5): Blake Ellwein 10 6-7 28, Anderson Porisch 5 0-0 11, Myles Ellwein 1 0-0 3, Ty Kleinsasser 0 1-2 1, Chase Davis 3 7-12 13. Totals 19-45 14-21 56.

Aberdeen Central 14 19 27 36

Huron 22 33 46 56

3-point field goals – Phillips 3, Swanson 2; B. Ellwein 2, Porisch, M. Ellwein. Total fouls – Aberdeen Central 18; Huron 19. Rebounds – Aberdeen Central 36 (Swanson 12, Phillips 10); Huron 33 (B. Ellwein 9). Turnovers – Aberdeen Central 17; Huron 13. Assists – Aberdeen Central 4; Huron 14 (Jonathan Peterson 4). Blocked shots – Aberdeen Central 0; Huron 3 (B. Ellwein 2). Steals – Aberdeen Central 3; Huron 10 (B. Ellwein 4).