By Byron Beers/Staff Writer

GUTHRIE — It was nearly an identical situation for El Reno Tuesday night against Guthrie.

The Indians saw a close game turn into a blowout during the first meeting between the two schools on Dec. 15 when the Bluejays hammered home a 56-31 victory.

Guthrie didn’t run away from the Indians this time, but got just enough of a momentum shift late in the third period before holding on for a 50-42 win.

El Reno led 20-19 after a basket by Eric Palmer to start the second half, but would never lead again.

The Indians trailed by one point, 24-19, following a pull-up jumper by guard Jared Krittenbrink with 2:42 left in the third.

Guthrie then responded with an 11-3 run to close the period and head coach Rodney Haydon’s squad never could recover.

El Reno’s final attempt to get close was at the end of the third and into the opening minute of the final period.

Forward Taylor Wedman, who led the Indians with 13 total points, scored from the inside and Krittenbrink followed with a free throw that sliced the Guthrie lead to nine points.

Sophomore Fayzon Richey started the fourth quarter with consecutive baskets to narrow the gap to 36-32. Richey first got in close for a basket and followed that with a 3-pointer from the top of the key.

But the Bluejays answered with a 6-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back baskets from 6-foot-3 senior Darryl Knight. Knight went on to lead the way with a game-high 16 points.

The Indians, which slip to 3-9 overall and 1-6 in Suburban Conference play, would get as close as five points after Wedman nailed down a jumper that cut the deficit to 46-41 with just under two minutes left.

Guthrie then melted the clock on its next offensive possession and got a layup in transition following a missed jumper by Glen Wedman.

Richey added nine points for El Reno, while Krittenbrink finished with seven. Both Eric Palmer and Jordan Webb contributed with four points each.

El Reno, which hadn’t played a game since Jan. 11 due to inclemet weather, will play again next Tuesday when it hosts Carl Albert at Jenks Simmons Field House.

A decision still hasn’t been made whether the MidFirst Warrior Classic in Anadarko will be made up. Haydon’s team defeated Purcell 52-49 in the opening round on a Krittenbrink half-court shot at the buzzer.

The Indians dropped a 61-52 decision in their first meeting with Carl Albert on Dec. 12 on the road.

Glen Wedman led El Reno with a game-high 16 points, and Stephen Burge topped the Titans with 15 points.