The LeRoy-Ostrander boys' basketball team shot just 33 percent from the field in its first game back from the holiday break, but the Cardinal defense did even better.

Elgin-Millville was limited to 29 percent and could not hold a five-point halftime lead against still-undefeated LeRoy-Ostrander. The Cardinals (7-0, 3-0), ranked fourth in Class A, outscored the Watchmen 16-4 in the third quarter and held on for a 46-44 non-conference victory Monday night in LeRoy.

Chad Orum's string of double-doubles ended in the two-point win. Orum finished with a game-high 15 points and seven rebounds, but the team's 20 percent first half shooting effort had the Cardinals trailing at the halftime break.

"I wasn't dissatisfied with the way we played, we just didn't shoot very well," said L-O coach Russ Foster. "We were pretty sluggish. We shot 20 percent in the first half, so we were pretty lucky to be where we were at."

Trailing by five, the Cardinals made some defensive changes that altered the course of the game. L-O's man-to-man defense did the job and the Cardinal offense started firing in the 16-4 third quarter. Jacob Rowe had five of his 10 points in the period, getting the team's long-range confidence going into the final frame.

"Last night was his best game all year, offensively and defensively," Foster said of Rowe.

Elgin-Millville was led by Randy Spring's 10 points.

"They're a team I really wouldn't want to play come section time," Foster added. "They're a scary team because they've got quickness."

Dustin Thorson used his quickness off the ground to block a three-point attempt by E-M with time winding down and a three-point L-O lead. He made two foul shots to put the game out of reach, and the Watchmen nailed a three-pointer as time expired.

LeRoy-Ostrander brings its unbeaten record to Lyle tonight at 7:30 p.m. for a Southeast Conference clash with Lyle/Pacelli. L/P is on the opposite end of the SEC standings at 0-8 overall and 0-3 in league play.

Boxscore:

ELGIN-MILLVILLE (44) -- Dan Beck 4, Derek Holper 4, Eric Jech 9, J.Spear 7, Randy Spring 10, Erik Rollie 2, Scott Mattke 8, Bryan Bennett 0.

LEROY-OSTRANDER (46) -- Shane Bunne 2, Brett Mensink 0, Andrew Knight 4, Kirk Olson 1, Ben Adams 3, Jacob Rowe 10, Chris Newton 0, Dustin Thorson 11, Paul Hanks 0, Chad Orum 15.