RALEIGH - Athens Drive and Cary entered Friday’s game tied for fourth in the Tri-Nine Conference, but once the ball went up for the tipoff the two teams were anything but even.

The Jaguars opened the game with a 15-0 run and steamrolled to a 70-50 win over the visiting Imps.

“We were aware of the records and where we stood with Cary in the standings,” Athens coach Robert Clemons said. “In this league, though, it seems like on any night anybody can beat anybody. And tonight we made sure we played with a lot of intensity, and overall we played pretty well.”

The Jags (6-8, 5-3 Tri-Nine) owned the first quarter, playing pressure defense that led to a number of easy transition baskets. They controlled every aspect of the game. Even when they didn’t get an open layup or dunk – both Lamar Nobles and Dylan Haupt had breakaway highlight slams early in the game – on the fast break, they fed the ball inside and their big guys dominated.

The Imps didn’t score until 1:18 left in the first quarter. Athens led 19-1 heading into the second quarter.

“Coach (Clemons) has been talking to us about being prepared to start the game,” Jags forward Mike Estes said. “Tonight, everybody was focused on a quick start and we were able to play good defense and get a big lead.”

The second quarter wasn’t much better for Cary (6-9, 4-4). Athens continued to play suffocating defense and have its way down low on the offensive end. Both Haupt and Estes were unstoppable for stretches, as the Jags extending their lead to 25 at halftime.

Haupt led all scorers with 20 points. Estes added 17.

“Our strength is inside,” Clemons said. “We know that, and so do the teams we play in this league. A lot of the coaches in this conference have been coaching against each other for a lot of years now. We know what each other wants to do. Sometimes you have the personnel to do it and sometimes you don’t. This year we’ve got the personnel to execute inside.”

The Imps outscored Athens in the second half, but were never able to get closer than 20. The Jags got a little sloppy late in the third quarter into the fourth, but the outcome had long been decided. It did give Clemons a coaching moment in a blowout, though.

“We lost some of our focus in the second half,” Clemons said. “We turned the ball over and gave up some open looks on defense, but overall I’m proud of the way we played. When you win by a lot you’ve got to find something to get on them about.”