By Andy Hutchison

DARIEN–Rebounding and 3-point shooting were difference-makers as the Staples boys basketball team turned what started as a close game into a 65-43 blowout at Darien on Tuesday.

The Wreckers outrebounded the Blue Wave 30-20, including 23-10 on the defensive end of the floor. Staples connected on 7 of its 15 attempts from 3-point land; Darien was 4-for-23 from long range.

Darien was perfect from the free throw line but got there for only three attempts while the Wreckers made 10 of 12 foul shots.

This game was tied 11-11 after one quarter of play. Things unraveled on the Wave in the second quarter. The Wreckers seized control and carried a 34-24 lead into the locker room. They put the game out of reach in the third quarter and led 56-35 going to the fourth.

Mason Tobias led the offensive charge with a 24-point outburst to go along with nine rebounds and three steals.

Dhilan Lowman scored 15, all on 3-pointers, connecting on five of his seven attempts from downtown. Lowman also had two assists, a pair of rebounds and a block.

Sam Clachko logged 12 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Henry Veissid had five points and four rebounds. Matty Corrigan added two points and four rebounds. Austin Heyer had five points and Drew Hill grabbed three rebounds.

Staples has won all 10 games it has played and is 5-0 in FCIAC play. The Wreckers have won every game by double digits, with seven games decided by 20-plus points. Greenwich (3-4 overall and 2-3 in conference play) visits tonight at 7 p.m.