The varsity Spartans improved their record to 1-1 with a 72-52 win over visiting North Duplin Tuesday.

Coach Tim Pope said he was pleased with his team’s overall play. “They got started well and we were able to jump out to a big lead early.”

Union put 31 points on the board in the first quarter; the Rebels were able to score only 8. The Spartans added 16 more in the second period, going into the half ahead 47-29. North Duplin tried to inch back into the game, outscoring the Spartans 15 to 9 in the third period, but Union held on for the win.

“We were able to play a lot of people, which is always good,” Pope stressed.

Although Union played a solid first half, Pope said the team slowed down in the second period.

“We getting a little better with every game, and that’s something you want to see, too. I also thought we were shooting better tonight than in our first game.

In last week’s game, the Spartans shot 32 percent; Tuesday they shot 60 percent. “You know, the game is a lot easier when you can get the ball in the net,” Pope noted.

Union’s Brandon Lovette led Spartan scoring with 15 points; Demarious Davis had 14; Justin Smith, 12; and Natrone Banks, 10.

With the win under their belt, the Union coach said they now had to look toward Friday and a huge game with 2A Clinton. “That’s going to be a big challenge for us and one we are looking forward to.”