A big third quarter helped Bethlehem defeat Saratoga Springs 75-65 in a battle of undefeated Suburban Council boys basketball teams Tuesday, Jan. 15.

The Eagles outscored the Blue Streaks 25-16 in the third period to open up a 12-point lead. Saratoga Springs made several attempts to get back into the game, but Bethlehem held on for the 10-point win.

Pat Ryan played a big role in Bethlehem’s victory. The senior guard made six three-pointers on his way to a season-high 20-point performance. Jake LaClair contributed 15 points, while Eric Signor (12 points) and Michael Ortale (11 points) added a combined total of 23 points.

Will Fox paced Saratoga Springs with 18 points, and Aidan Holmes chipped in with 16 points.

The victory moved Bethlehem into the Blue Division lead with a 9-0 record (13-0 overall) with seven games left in the regular season. Saratoga Springs dipped to 8-1 and 11-1.

Elsewhere in the Suburban Council, Albany edged Ballston Spa 66-64. Michael Alamo-Benitez netted 25 points, and Kevin Seel III contributed 19 points to help the Falcons offset Luke Alteri’s 29-point performance for the Scotties. Keegan Zoller added 19 points for Ballston Spa.

Troy remained undefeated in league play with a 54-44 victory over Averill Park. Latyce Faison had 20 points, and Nazaire Merritt added 17 points for the Flying Horses, while Zach Price scored 18 points for the Warriors.

Columbia edged Schenectady 74-73 in overtime. Dylan Ouimette paced the Blue Devils with 26 points, Joey Alamprese contributed 19 points and Cooper Zwanka added 18 points. Kareem Sanders led three Schenectady players in double digits with 20 points. Jahsean Haggray scored 17 points, and Kayshawn Cruz chipped in with 11 points for the Patriots.

The Battle of Colonie went to Colonie Central, as the Garnet Raiders defeated Shaker 60-48. Brendan Coyle netted 19 points, and Marcus Shelton had 14 points for Colonie. Connor McHugh led Shaker with 12 points.

A 23-8 run in the third quarter allowed Christian Brothers Academy to pull away from Niskayuna 67-49. Jordan King sank six three-pointers on his way to a 24-point night for the Brothers, while Drew Signor added 11 points. KJ Cox, Richie Quinn and Sean St. Lucia all had 10 points for Niskayuna.

Shenendehowa doubled up Guilderland 60-30. Jake Reinisch and Devin Dzikas each scored 14 points for the Plainsmen, while Ryan Teaney led the Dutchmen with 17 points.