WARSAW – The free throw line was very valuable to the Warsaw boys basketball team Saturday morning.

The host Tigers used a big advantage from the charity stipe to top South Bend Riley 57-47 in the opening game of the Warsaw Holiday Tournament.

Warsaw, which improved to 6-1 with its fourth straight win, advances to the championship game tonight (Dec. 27) at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Merrillville stayed unbeaten on the season by defeating Kokomo 67-55 in the second game earlier today. Merrillville, now 6-0, will face Warsaw tonight in the title tilt.

Riley, which drops to 3-5, will play Kokomo (2-5)  in the consolation contest at 6 p.m. tonight.

Warsaw hit a fine 23-27 from the line in downing the Wildcats. Rashaan Jackson was 10-11 and Kyle Mangas 6-6 from the stripe to lead the Tigers. Riley finished the game just 9-14 from the line.

The Tigers led 8-4 after the opening period and 23-17 at halftime. The hosts took control of the game by outscoring Riley 15-7 in the third quarter to take a 38-24 lead.

Jackson led a balanced offensive attack for Warsaw with 14 points. Kyle Mangas had 12 points and Jake Mangas 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Jeremy David netted six points and Nick Sands added five for the Tigers. Paul Marandet had four points to go with six rebounds.

Warsaw shot 16-38 overall from the field, including 2-11 on 3-pointers. The hosts had 33 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

Reonte Lawrence led Riley with 19 points and eight rebounds. Junior Scott had 10 points.

Riley shot just 18-54 overall from the field, including 2-15 from distance. The Wildcats had 30 rebounds and 14 turnovers.