Keyrie Rodriguez scored 16 points, including three 3-pointers, to help second-seeded Paterson Eastside pull away from third-seeded Passaic Tech, 56-48, in the Passaic County Tournament semifinals Thursday night in Paterson.
Jade Bethea added 18 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a block for Eastside, while Alexis Chambers contributed seven points, six assists and three steals. Aubrey Newell chipped in seven points, five rebounds and a team-high four steals.
The game was tight through the first half, with Passaic Tech holding a 19-19 tie at the break. Eastside then erupted for 25 points in the third quarter to Passaic Tech’s 13, turning a deadlocked game into a double-digit advantage.
Passaic Tech outscored Eastside 16-12 in the fourth quarter but could not overcome the deficit.
Paterson Eastside (17-8) will face top-seeded and defending champion DePaul in the tournament final Saturday at 2:15 p.m. at Wayne Valley.
Passaic Tech falls to (17-8).
