Columbia's Xavier Lewis (15) pulls up to pass back out as Miller Grove's nwar Molette defends during second half action of Columbia's 81-57 Region 5-2A boys' basketball win on Friday. (Photo by Mark Brock)

Columbia’s Xavier Lewis (15) pulls up to pass back out as Miller Grove’s nwar Molette defends during second half action of Columbia’s 81-57 Region 5-2A boys’ basketball win on Friday. (Photo by Mark Brock)

The No. 2 ranked Columbia Eagles scored 27 points in the third quarter to pull away to an 81-57 Region 5-2A high school boys’ basketball win at Columbia on Tuesday night.

Miller Grove’s Anwar Molette scored eight seconds into the second half to pull the Wolverines (7-16, 1-9) within 38-36 of the Eagles.

Columbia responded with an 11-0 run to take control of the game. Jace Smith sandwiched a steal and basket by Deontae Hill with a pair of layups on assists from teammates Carlin Jacobs and Xavier Lewis.

A three-pointer by Lewis and a put back by Jacobs pushed the lead out to 49-36 with 5:42 to play in the third quarter.

The teams traded baskets over the next two minutes of the game before the Eagles (21-3 10-0) put together another big run to end the quarter.

Brandon Bigsby and Lewis both hit shots from behind the three-point line to go with layups from Lewis and a pass from Bigsby to Hill underneath for the easy layup. The scoring streak pushed the lead out to 65-43 and the Eagles cruised down the stretch to the win.

Back-to-back layups by Hill pushed the Eagles out to a 21-18 lead after one quarter of play.

Jimmy Mattox IV gave Miller Grove its last lead of the game with a three-pointer with 2:36 to play in the first half to make it 32-31. Chance Reynolds answered with a three-pointer of his own and the Eagles would not trail again.

Columbia finished the half with four points in the final 59 seconds including a feed from Reynolds to Carlin Jacobs for a layup and two free throws by Princeton King for the 38-34 halftime lead.

Xavier Lewis stroked the nets for 28 points, including five three-pointers, to lead Columbia’s attack. Jace Smith added 20 points and 8 rebounds and Deonte Hill put together 10 points and seven rebounds.