GLEN ELLYN — A quick start was all the momentum College of DuPage needed in its 68-55 victory over Harper College in N4C men's basketball Saturday afternoon.
 
Getting out front early
The Chaparrals outscored the Hawks 13-0 in the opening 3 minutes and 15 seconds and stayed out front for the duration in improving to 2-13 overall and 1-3 in the N4C. Sophomores Jason Peace and David Spell each scored five points in that stretch as the Chaparrals never let the lead drop below five points.
 
Leading the way
Both Spell and Peace scored 18 points and Peace grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds as the Chaps ended their four-game losing streak. Franklin Montgomery had 13 points with nine assists — seven in the first half — and Donnell Fraley added 11 points with three steals.
 
Coach says
"We've talked about setting the tone from the get-go, and tonight we were very strong in gaining momentum early,'' Chaparrals coach William Anderson said. "We answered both of their runs in the second half, and it was great to see our guys play with a lead and maintain.''
 
About that first half
COD shot 51.6 percent from the field in the opening half on 16 of 31 shooting. The Chaparrals had 12 assists in the first half and finished with 17.
 
Key run
A DeShawnte Carraway three-point play brought the Hawks to within six (55-49) with 3:37 left, but the Chaps answered on a 9-0 run and led 64-49 on two free throws from Peace with 46 seconds left.
 
What's next?
The Chaparrals take on visiting Madison College on Wednesday. Tip-off is 7 p.m.