COMSTOCK — Despite a late charge by host Comstock, the Dowagiac boys basketball team remains in the thick of the Wolverine Conference race.

The Chieftains held off the upset-minded Colts 69-60 Tuesday night to improve to 9-2 overall and 7-1 in league play.

A quick start and a big finished were the keys to Dowagiac’s victory Tuesday night.

The Chieftains poured in 22 first quarter points and then scored 21 points in the final eight minutes.

Dowagiac led 22-14 after one quarter and 37-29 at the halftime break.

The Chieftains led by only four points, 48-44, heading to the final quarter as Comstock outscored Dowagiac 15-11 in the third.

Dontel Highsmith, who entered the game averaging 32 points per contest, was held to just 20 points by the Colts. Brother Davion Highsmith added 16 points and Eric Charles netted 14.

Jalen Lamar of Comstock led all scorers with 28 points in a losing effort. Joe Gipson chipped in with 22.

DOWAGIAC 69

Dontel Highsmith 20; Davion Highsmith 16; Craig 0; Todd McIntyre 4; Joey Pasternak 2; Brendon Murray 5; Tyler Clark 8; Eric Charles 14. TOTALS: 20 14-17

COMSTOCK 60

Jalen Lamar 28; Shaquan Jones 6; Sawyer Heffner 4; Joe Gipson 22. TOTALS: 25 10-14 60

Dowagiac 22 37 48 69

Comstock 14 29 44 60

Three-point baskets: Dowagiac 4 (Da. Highsmith 3, Murray), Comstock 0

Comstock…40

Dowagiac…24

Visiting Comstock outscored Dowagiac 34-15 over the final three quarters Tuesday night to earn a 40-24 Wolverine Conference girls basketball victory.

The Chieftains, who led 9-6 after one quarter, was playing back-to-back nights.

The Colts outscored Dowagiac 13-3 in the second quarter to take control of the game.

Comstock led 32-18 as the two teams headed to the fourth quarter.

Amanda Clapper paced the Colts with a game-high 12 points. No other player in the contest scored in double figures.

Ashley Cross and Caleigh Friedt both had nine points for Comstock.

Dowagiac was led by Correshia Rodgers’ eight points. Carly Polomcak added five.

COMSTOCK 40

Ashley Cross 9; Morgan Baker 8; Caleigh Friedt 9; Jamie Scareberry 2; Morgan Day 0; Amanda Clapper 12. TOTALS: 14 10-22 40

DOWAGIAC 24

Correshia Rodgers 8; Kristyn Turner 3; Kylee Williams 3; Carly Polomcak 5; Regina Kennedy 2; Kelsie Primley 3. TOTALS: 7 8-17 24

Comstock 6 19 32 40

Dowagiac 9 12 18 24

3-point baskets: Comstock 2 (Cross, Friedt), Dowagiac 2 (Williams, Rodgers). Total fouls (fouled out): Comstock 17 (none), Dowagiac 19 (none)