The Spartans overcame an early deficit to defeat the Rockets in the Ellwood City Tipoff Tournament consolation game.

Slippery Rock (0-2) held a 14-13 edge after the first quarter, but Laurel (1-1) rallied to tie the game at 24 at halftime. The Rockets regained their edge, 35-33, after three quarters, but the Spartans erupted for a 22-point final stanza to take the win.

Laurel’s James Steele tallied 13 points, including seven in the pivotal fourth quarter. The Spartans converted six of their eight foul shots in the final frame. Jacob Wilson added 13 points in the victory.

“We came out and played well. We started off strong,” Laurel coach Ken Locke said. “Wilson did another great job as a freshman. Steele hit a couple pretty big shots and we made our free throws.”

Josh Finley had 11 points and 14 rebounds. Josh Dando had nine points and eight rebounds.