By Bob Ratterman

Contributing Writer

OXFORD — Ross was led by 24 points from senior Brandon Fernandez Friday night in a 55-30 win over Talawanda in a Southwest Ohio Conference boys’ basketball game.

Fernandez keyed a second-quarter outburst for the Rams (10-3, 6-1 SWOC), scoring 12 of his 18 first-half points in the second frame after Talawanda had tied the game 11-11 with the first points of the second quarter. Ross ran off 10 straight before the Braves scored again and rolled to a 29-17 halftime lead.

Ross coach Matt Wilhelm said earlier in the season his team was not finishing games and a 25-point win Friday did not change that assessment.

“I think we did a good job, but we still are not playing a complete game, defensively,” Wilhelm said. “At times, we play decent, but we try to get better in practice every week.”

“They had 32 points off turnovers,” Talawanda coach Bobby Lipps said. “It’s hard to win a game like that. Basketball is a game that comes down to turnovers and rebounding.”

Ross had plenty of both. In addition to the 32-7 edge in points off turnovers, the Rams had 34 rebounds. The Braves held their own in that department with 33 rebounds.

Talawanda (2-10, 2-5) was led by senior Austin Davidson with nine points. In addition to Fernandez, Ross also got double-figure scoring from Brandon Burns, who had 11.

“In the first quarter, I got double-teamed early. In the second, there was just one guy, so I started scoring,” Fernandez said.. “I work hard. In a game when they have tight defense on me I look to score. I take it as a challenge, but when they play tight I get my teammates a shot.”

Both teams play at home SWOC games tonight. Ross hosts Northwest while Talawanda hosts Mount Healthy.