South Decatur opened a 50-27 lead at halftime and went on to defeat Trinity Lutheran 84-72 in the Bollinger Athletic Complex on Tuesday night.

It was the debut for Trinity coach Michael McBride, who saw his team close within 65-57 with 4:35 left in the game.

South Decatur bounced back with an 8-0 run, and that was too much for Trinity to overcome.

South Decatur got out to a fast start, leading 9-2 after three minutes of action. Trinity followed up with three straight baskets to trail 9-8.

The visiting Cougars then finished the quarter strong to lead 19-12.

Tyler Goecker had the hot hand for Trinity in the first quarter with three baskets, and Josh Rowe had a basket and two free throws.

South Decatur got hot from the outside in the second quarter by making five 3-pointers to give them the sizable advantage at the break.

Goecker stayed hot for the home team with 11 points in the second quarter.

Trinity shot 10-for-25 and committed 13 turnovers in the first half.

South Decatur came out hot at the start of the third quarter to build its lead to 56-27 before Goecker scored a basket for Trinity at 6:10.

Goecker topped Trinity in scoring with 29 points, Jack Marksberry added 13 and Rowe finished with 12.

Rounding out the Trinity scoring were Hudson Norton with 8, Mitchell Hackman with 3, Lawson Woods 3, Jacob Sabotin 2 and Kade Hill 2.

South Decatur’s Dominic Walters was high scorer with 35 points.

Marksberry topped Trinity with eight rebounds.

Trinity will be home Saturday night to play Madison.