SOUTH BEND – The NorthWood boys basketball team built a big lead en route to topping host South Bend St. Joseph 68-60 Saturday night.

The Class 3-A No. 4 Panthers led 54-35 after three quarters before the host Indians scored 25 points in the final frame.

Luke Zurcher had another strong performance with 21 points to pace the winners. The senior hit 8-13 shots from the field and also had five rebounds in the victory.

Senior star Vinny Miranda turned in his usual solid effort with 18 points to go with six rebounds and five assists for coach Aaron Wolfe’s squad.

Brad Delio contributed nine points, while Caleb Lung scored seven and Trey Bilinski six for the Panthers.

The Panthers shot 22-44 overall from the field, including 8-17 from distance. NorthWood was 16-23 from the free throw line and had just nine turnovers.

NorthWood, which has won its last three games, improves to 19-2.

Brady Powers led St. Joe with 12 points.

The Indians shot 23-41 from the field, including 9-17 from deep. The hosts were just 5-7 from the line and had 11 turnovers in the game.

St. Joe, which has lost its last four games, drops to 5-14.

NorthWood won the junior varsity game 46-45. Luke Holland and Nick Bean each scored 13 points and Jordan BeMiller had 10 for the winners.

NorthWood wraps up regular season play at Manchester Tuesday night. St. Joe hosts Plymouth Tuesday and entertains Mishawaka Friday.