File photo – Head coach Kellen Maynard and the Arcata Tigers are now 2-1 in the Big 5.

Brandon Bento-Jackson scored a game-high 27 points as the Arcata Tigers defeated the Eureka Loggers 81-48 in a make-up Big 5 boys basketball game on Monday night.

The Tigers led big on a couple of occasions in the first but allowed the Loggers battle back and remain in the game, before a big defensive performance in the second half saw the Arcata boys pull away.

“The guys decided they were going to buckle down and play some good defense,” head coach Kellen Maynard said of his players, who allowed just 12 points in the second half. “It’s been our calling card all year.”

Carson Tucker also had a big night and finished with 19 points, as the Tigers improved to 2-1 in the Big 5 and 15-3 overall.

Kai Purcell added 16 points and Josiah Graham finished with nine points.

Caden Vance had a big game for the Loggers and “was a problem” for the Tigers defense, according to Maynard.

Vance finished with 23 points, while teammate Evan Hodges finished with nine points and Jordan Urban eight.

With the loss, the Loggers dropped to 1-2 in the Big 5 and 6-10 overall.