SOUTH WHITLEY – A strong start paved the way for Rochester to notch a Three Rivers Conference boys basketball win at Whitko Saturday.

The Zebras bolted to a 14-4 lead after the first quarter en route to a 62-48 win in the league matchup.

Nate Walpole canned 16 points to lead the way for the host Wildcats.

Cole Kessie scored 11 points for Whitko. River West had eight, Devon Adkins seven and Tanner Gaff six for the Wildcats.

Whitko drops to 1-8 overall and 0-2 in the TRC. Rochester improves to 3-6 overall and 2-0 in league play.

Whitko plays at Eastbrook Tuesday. Rochester hosts Tippecanoe Valley in TRC action Friday night.