LIVINGSTON MANOR — After shooting just 17 percent from the field in their last contest against Tri-Valley nearly two weeks prior, the Livingston Manor Wildcats were looking to get back into the win column and convert on their shot opportunities as they took on their first division opponent of the season, the Tuxedo Tornadoes.

Despite trailing early, the Wildcats were able to put together a strong second quarter, and an even stronger second half to coast to a 61-37 victory on Friday night.

Early on, the shooting struggles that were apparent during the Tri-Valley game seemed to be sticking around. The Wildcats managed just nine points of offense in the first quarter, despite a strong defensive effort forcing multiple turnovers that LM couldn’t convert.

By the end of the first quarter the Wildcats found themselves trailing 13-9 in front of the home crowd.

After some adjustments between quarters, the Wildcats came out of the gates firing on all cylinders in the second.

Off the bench, Kaleb Maldonado entered the game and scored five straight points to spark the Wildcats’ offense and take a 14-13 lead that the team would never relinquish.

“Caleb did an awesome job off the bench tonight,” LM Coach Charlie Hicks said. “He’s fearless and he plays hard-nosed defense, which is exactly what you want in a sixth man.”

The run continued, and the Wildcats managed to score 13 unanswered in the second quarter before Tuxedo managed to get on the board.

At halftime, after a 19-4 second quarter, the Wildcats led 28-17 as they headed for the locker room.

They continued to build upon their lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Tornadoes 17-13 in the frame to take a 15-point lead into the final quarter.

The Wildcats started the fourth quarter on a 9-0 run, extending their lead to 24 and putting it out of reach for the Tornadoes as Livingston Manor coasted to their first division victory.

Aiden Johnston led the way with a game-high 25 points, followed by his brother Ben Johnston with 10 and Kaleb Maldonado with 11 points in the win.

“We needed this one,” Hicks said. “The guys were ready to get back to it after two weeks off. And while we’re still trying to find our niche and click together, we’re on the right track and I’m hoping it carries over.”