Several fast-break layups helped propel the International Falls boys basketball team to pull ahead by more than 30 points in the first half at home Friday and end up defeating Duluth Marshall, 80-62.

“That’s kind of what we’ve been working on all year — trying to push the ball up the floor, get the rebound and push the ball,” said Broncos head coach Derek Dowty. “We’re really good at distributing the basketball (and seeing) the floor well.”

Falls senior Jason Pumper, who scored a team-high 14 points, accounted for eight of the Broncos’ first 10 points as he drove to the basket.

Two other Falls players scoring in double figures included Ben Humbert with 12 points and Gunnar Anderson with 11 as the Broncos’ reserves saw plenty of playing time in the second half.

The Falls scored early and often from short range in the first half and led 57-25 at halftime.

“In the first half I definitely thought we played very good basketball, and I think we’re going in the right direction right now to get toward playoff time,” Dowty said.

The Hilltoppers were able to trim the deficit in the second half as they applied full-court pressure with the Bronco reserves in the game.

Duluth Marshall players scoring in double figures included Adam Kneepkens with a game-high 20 points and Alex Davis with 16 more.

I. Falls 82, Northeast Range 44

The Broncos picked up their 20th victory of the season after winning big on the road Monday against Northeast Range, 82-44.

Humbert paced the Falls with 25 points, six rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Anderson added 16 points, four assists and three steals. Ryan Kilbride had 10 points for the Broncos, who led 49-24 at halftime.

I. Falls 69, Mesabi East 41

The Falls then picked up a home victory Tuesday over Mesabi East, 69-41, to win the Iron Range Conference outright.

Humbert scored a game-high 18 points and Anderson put in 15 more for the Broncos, who led 47-12 at halftime and had reserve players on the court for much of the game.

The Falls, which improved its record to 21-4 overall and 8-1 in the IRC, plays its regular-season finale Friday at Deer River before beginning the Section 7AA Tournament on March 6.

Friday’s game

I. Falls 80, D. Marshall 62

D. Marshall 25 37 — 62

I. Falls 57 23 — 80

D. Marshall: Jake Schenk 4, Adam Kneepkens 20, Addison Aparicio 6, Cole Feriancek 5, Jeremy Stephen 7, Alex Davis 16, Thomas Nelson 2, Chris Nordman 2. 3-pointers: Schenk, Kneepkens, Aparicio. Free throws: 15-25. Fouls 10.

I. Falls: Marco Griffith 2, Andrew Snyder 2, Ben King 8, Cole Miggins 3, Jason Pumper 14, Gunnar Anderson 11, Ben Humbert 12, Ryan Kilbride 7, Chris Joslyn 2, Paul Skoglund 2, Max Vergeldt 8, Ricky Fogelberg 2, Jack Bartkowski 4, Brandon Barras 1, Dillon Cordts 2. 3-pointers: Anderson 2, Miggins. Free throws: 9-11. Fouls: 22.