MARENGO — The Rochelle Hub varsity basketball team scored 50 second-half points during its final game of the 73rd Annual E.C. Nichols Holiday Classic on Friday afternoon. Senior Eli Luxton and freshman Brody Bruns each finished with 20 points for the Hubs, whose comeback effort fell just short in a 79-76 loss against Genoa-Kingston. Rochelle (5-10, 0-5 Interstate 8) went 2-2 over four games in the tournament.

Bruns grabbed a team-high nine rebounds and Luxton added six rebounds for the Hubs, who will host a nonconference game against Sandwich on Friday evening. Rochelle trailed 39-26 at halftime, but brought the Cogs within single digits after a strong offensive outing in the second half.

While the Hubs outscored the Cogs 11-7 in transition and 18-11 on second chances, Genoa-Kingston's defense generated 15 deflections and seven steals, outpacing the four deflections and three steals on the Rochelle side. The Hubs also commanded a sizable advantage on the offensive glass, where they outrebounded Genoa-Kingston 15-7.

Free throws were troublesome for both teams, with Rochelle finishing 8-for-17 and the Cogs going 9-for-19. Genoa-Kingston's efficient shooting won the day, as the Cogs shot nearly 55 percent from the field and 60 percent (12-for-20) from the 3-point line. Sophomore Van Gerber finished with 12 points for the Hubs, while junior Elijah Harley followed with 10 points and six assists.