One day after delivering a lackluster performance, Upper Perkiomen's boys basketball team played arguably its best game of the season. Head coach John Brittain described it as his squad's most complete performance.

Tucker Ruch, right, drives to the basket agains Brandywine Heights during the Tiger Classic Tournament on Dec. 28.

            The Indians secured third place in the 60th annual Tiger Classic Tournament in Fleetwood with a 65-43 win over Brandywine Heights on Saturday, Dec. 28. Four players reached double figures in points.

            Tyrese Reid delivered a game-high 21 points and recorded seven steals for the Indians (4-8), who set a season high in points. Vin Galassi finished with 14 points on four 3-pointers.

            Robert Rice delivered 11 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks for the Tribe, who delivered a season-high 40 points in the second half. Connor Gehman added 11 points and six rebounds, including four at the offensive end.

            "[We displayed] intensity on the defensive end," Brittain wrote in a text message. "We attacked the basket and knocked down some [3-pointers]."

            The Indians, who converted 46 percent (6-for-17) from behind the 3-point arc, built a 25-17 halftime lead. Galassi -- who finished with five boards and two assists -- scored eight points, including two 3-pointers, during the second quarter to spark a 14-point outburst.

            Reid's third-quarter flurry allowed the Tribe to extend its edge. He scored 10 points during the quarter. Rice add three baskets to help push the lead to 45-28,

            The Tribe opened the tournament with a 55-35 loss to the host Tigers the night before.  Rice finished with a team-high 14 points on 7-for-10 shooting from the field and added seven rebounds.

            "We had zero energy," Brittain said. "I'm not sure why. We did not seem prepared. We looked sluggish. I take responsibility for that."

            Reid contributed eight points, four rebounds and three steals. Jack Reig and Jaylen Barrow each delivered four points.

            Fleetwood took control in the second quarter. Seven Tribe turnovers helped lead to 12 consecutive points.

            "The way we score, we can't afford to make those kinds of mistakes in the second quarter," the coach said. "We gave up too many easy baskets."

            Nine of them came directly off errant passes that allowed the Tigers to build a commanding 24-10 lead. Mason Senna delivered seven points during the flurry.

            Surry, a junior, registered nine of his game-high 16 points during the second quarter. Ryan Bryce's fast-break layup, off a steal late in the quarter, staked his team to a 26-10 halftime advantage.

            Fleetwood extended its lead to 36-16 early in the third quarter. Senna's 3-pointer from the left corner capped a 10-4 run to open the third.

            The Tribe responded by twice pulling within 15 points. Rice converted consecutive baskets to get the team within 36-21 before a steal and a layup by Reid made it 40-25.

            The Indians led 8-7 late in the first quarter. Reid converted a layup off an assist from Reig, who converted two free throws on their next possession with 1:08 remaining in the first quarter.

            However, a layup by Blake Peters gave Fleetwood the lead for good. It sparked a 19-4 rally.

            Reid's third quarter outburst allowed the Tribe to extend its edge. He scored 10 points during the quarter. Rice added three baskets to help push the lead to 45-28.

            He said Jaylen Barrow, a junior guard, and Jordin Dice provided a second half spark. The coach credited Gehman for providing positive minutes.

            The Indians debuted a new offensive approach by moving Reid off the ball. He ran the baseline against Fleetwood's zone defense. The coach described it as an opportunity to improve the player's scoring chances and prevent double teams.

            Brittain said he will judge the program's progress on Jan 29, the team's final day of practice. According to the coach, the key will be how hard the players are practicing.

            "The good stuff is at the top of the mountain," he said. "Sometimes, you lose your footing and slide down. The key is to keep moving forward."