When the Zephyr boys basketball team opened league play last Friday, they dusted off that old sports axiom and found a way to win.

With the score tied at 31 heading into the final quarter, the Zephs clamped down their defense and amped up their offense, securing a 46-34 over Northampton Area High School win in front of their home crowd to open Lehigh Valley Conference action.

The ability to pull away in the waning minutes was a familiar scenario, having posted a similar comeback against Bethlehem Catholic High School to open the season. It was also a testament to their senior leadership, said head coach Jeff Jones.

"It kind of was the same situation we had at Bethlehem Catholic the first game," said Jones. "I think we were down one with about two minutes to go, and kind of just hung in there.

"We always talk about relying on seniors, and that's what saw us through. We just made enough plays at the end."

Using a combination of tight defense, especially James Wah blanketing Kyle George in that closing quarter, and the deft shooting of Anthony Bellucci, the Zephyrs carved out a 15-3 run to notch their second win of the season.

Anthony Bellucci finished with 20 points to lead all scorers, picking up crucial buckets down the stretch to help seal the victory. One of those was a baseline jumper off a missed free throw as teammate Aaron Keglovits secured the rebound and kicked it to Bellucci who quickly spotted up for the deuce.

It was a pivotal play, one that helped turn the momentum in the Zeph's favor.

"It was a really big play," said Jones.

It was that type of hustle that helped the Zephs score some baskets to break the game open, whether it was grabbing a board off a missed three throw, or forcing the Kids into a backcourt violation, they Zephs managed to frustrate the Kids in that final stanza and walk away with the victory.

The Zephs also got solid play from Brad Radocha (nine points) and Nick Shafnisky (10 points) as the senior scored some tough interior points, while Radocha did some damage from the paint and the perimeter.

Wah also played a good floor game, directing the action from the point, while Keglovits had a strong all-around game, sinking10 points to help conquer the Kids.

Still, it was Anthony Bellucci's ability to hit the open shot that ultimately iced the game for the Zephs. Bellucci possesses a shooter's touch, demonstrating what is known in basketball parlance as "pulling the shade down."

"He pretty much has free reign to shoot," said Jones. "It's something that he does really, really well. We're confident that when he shoots the ball, it's going to go in. That's his strength so we're going to allow him to shoot that ball when the opportunity's there."

In their 63-58 win over the Golden Hawks, Anthony Bellucci scored 22 points, sinking six baskets from beyond the arc to cement the victory.

Jones said that Bellucci relishes playing against teams that employ the zone, giving him the ability to "spot up" for a good look. He's also comfortable coming of screens as he works to get free when teams are playing man-to-man, added Jones.

"It's something he's gotten better at," Jones said. "It makes him all that more dangerous."

Jones said that before the game, they talked about the importance of winning games at home.

"We have to try and defend this court as much as we can." he said. "We had great fan support tonight, which is appreciated, kids like this gym; they like playing here, so we have to make sure we take care of business here."

The Zephs dropped their following league game on Tuesday as Nazareth Area High School handed Whitehall a 62-46 loss.

The loss evens their record at 2-2 (1-1, LVC). Leading the way for the Zephs was Anthony Bellucci who had 10 points, while Nick Shafnisky and Chad Rex each sank nine.