TUPPERS PLAINS — Eastern didn’t need another miracle comeback Tuesday night in its home opener against Parkersburg Catholic. Then again, when you never trail, there is really no reason for come-from-behind effort.

The Eagles jumped out to a 21-10 advantage after eight minutes of play and never looked back to claim a convincing 69-52 triumph over Parkersburg Catholic during a non-conference boys basketball game at EHS.

Eastern (3-1) matched last year’s win total and also won its third-in-a-row this winter, storming out to a 5-0 lead one minute into the contest. The Crusaders (0-1) cut that deficit to three (5-2) two minutes later, but never came closer the rest of the way.

The Green and White closed out the final five minutes of the period on a 16-8 run for an 11-point cushion. PCHS was never closer than 10 points (23-13) after the start of the second frame.

EHS shot 50 percent from the field, making 26-of-52 field goal attempts. The hosts were also 6-of-10 from three-point territory and had eight players reach the scoring column during the triumph.

Sophomore Jake Lynch paced the home team with 15 points, while senior Nathan Carroll was close behind with a baker’s dozen. Sophomores Kelly Winebrenner, Mike Johnson and Titus Pierce all chipped in seven points to the winning cause, as did senior Kyle Rawson.

Senior Alex Burroughs also posted eight markers and classmate Josh Collins rounded out the scoring with five points. Eastern led 39-22 at the intermission.

The Eagles committed eight turnovers, two more than the guests’ six. Both squads hauled in 20 rebounds, but the hosts claimed a 5-3 edge on the offensive glass.

The Crusaders made 22-of-52 field goal attempts in the setback, an average of a respectful 42 percent. PCHS, however, was just 3-of-17 from behind the arc for a dismal 18 percent.

Nine players scored for Parkersburg Catholic, led by Cole Cwynar with 15 points. and Jason Williams with a dozen. Jacob Hensler added six points as well to the losing cause.

The Eagles biggest lead of the night was 20 points (68-48) with 1:30 left in the fourth quarter. EHS also led 55-42 after three quarters of play.

Eastern returns to action Friday when it travels to Corning for a Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division matchup with Miller. The JV tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Eastern 69, Parkersburg Catholic 52

Park Cath 10 12 20 10 — 52

Eastern 21 18 16 14 — 69

PARKERSBURG CATHOLIC (0-1) — Jacob Hensler 2 1-2 6, John Padden 2 0-0 4, Chase Fox 0 0-0 0, Cole Cwynar 6 2-3 15, Jason Williams 6 0-0 12, John Boelter 0 2-3 2, Patrick Stealey 2 0-0 4, Britt West 2 0-0 5, Josh Lowers 0 0-0 0, Tom Brundi 1 0-0 2, Dylan Reifsteck 1 0-0 2. TOTALS: 22 5-8 52. Three-point goals: 3 (Hensler, Cwynar, West).

EASTERN (3-1) — Josh Collins 1 3-5 5, Jake Lynch 6 0-1 15, Kelly Winebrenner 2 3-5 7, Mike Johnson 3 1-2 7, Titus Pierce 2 3-4 7, Jordan Kimes 0 0-0 0, Alex Burroughs 4 0-0 8, Nathan Carroll 5 0-0 13, Kyle Rawson 3 1-1 7, Tyler Kearns 0 0-0 0. TOTALS: 26 11-18 69. Three-point goals: 6 (Lynch 3, Carroll 3).