An explosive second quarter was the difference Tuesday night.

The St. Anthony Bulldogs, held to just 18 points the other three quarters, lit up the scoreboard in the second period. They poured in 26 points, turning a two-point deficit into an 18-point halftime lead, en route to a 44-38 victory at South Central.

Kennan Walsh scored eight points and Logan Antrim added seven in that decisive eight-minute stretch. Ty Wiedman knocked down a pair of three-pointers and Craig Croy added five points, as the Bulldogs built a 33-15 cushion at intermission.

St. Anthony needed that advantage. The Bulldogs scored just two points in the third quarter and only 11 in the second half, but hung on to remain undefeated in the National Trail Conference.

Antrim, Walsh and Croy each scored 10 points to pace the St. Anthony scoring attack. The Bulldogs connected on 50 percent of their shots, making 17-of-34 attempts. They were 6-of-17 from long range and 3-for-6 from the foul line. They also held a 26-13 rebounding edge, but did turn the ball over 24 times.

St. Anthony improved to 5-2 overall and 3-0 in the NTC. The Bulldogs will be back in action tonight (Wednesday), traveling to Dieterich. They will then play at home Friday against Windsor/Stew-Stras and Saturday at Flora.