ELMIRA – The Sutherlin boys basketball team built a 17-point lead after three quarters, but had to hold off an Elmira rally in the fourth period to earn a 54-42 victory over the Falcons on the road Tuesday night.

Albert Christianson scored 20 to lead the Bulldogs, while Mason Gill chipped in 16.

Sutherlin (10-6, 2-0 Sky-Em) led by 13 at halftime. Christianson scored eight in the third period, increasing the Bulldogs lead to 48-31 after three.

Elmira chipped away at the lead and had it down to six at one point in the fourth, but Christianson hit a lay-up and Trevor Daniels hit two big free-throws to sew up the victory.

Elmira (4-12, 0-2 Sky-Em) was led by Logan Bender and Kellen Smith, both with 15 points.

Sutherlin will visit Cottage Grove Friday for their fourth-straight road game and third straight league road game.