Ryan Schmidt scored 19 points in the second half Saturday, helping the St. Anthony Bulldogs pull away and defeat Shelbyville, 57-45, at the Enlow Center.

The Bulldogs led throughout, but Shelbyville managed to stay within striking distance. SAHS led 13-7 after the opening eight minutes and 25-20 at intermission.

In the third quarter, Schmidt scored nine points, as the Bulldogs increased their advantage to 40-31. The senior forward then netted 10 more in the final period, helping the hosts secure the win down the stretch.

Both Myles Hammond and Jackson Jokisch scored 18 points for the Rams, who dipped to 15-11 for the season.

Schmidt finished with a game-high 26 points for St. Anthony. Will Fearday added eight.

The Bulldogs, ranked No. 3 in Class 1A, are now 24-4 overall. They will finish their regular season schedule with two games this week. They will play Tuesday at Altamont and then return home Friday to face Robinson.

Tuesday’s contest is a big one. The National Trail Conference title is on the line. The Bulldogs, who are 7-0, can clinch the championship with a win. The Indians will enter with a 5-1 league mark and a chance to gain a share.