DIXFIELD – Winthrop boys’ basketball coach Dennis Dacus felt his youthful team would be more effective by playing an up-tempo game at confined Defoe Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

The Ramblers proved to be in control by also turning in a defensive gem.

Point guard Nate Damm and Mike Gringras combined to score 12 of the team’s first 14 points in the fourth quarter as the Ramblers pulled away for a 63-47 victory over Dirigo in MVC action.

The first three quarters were extremely competitive as the lead was tied or changed 10 times. With the game tied at 40, Chip Burnham (10 points, 10 rebounds) drained a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded to end the third quarter.

Winthrop (3-3) proceeded to take control by going on a 12-3 run to open the final frame. Damm (nine points) made a jumper and, following a Cougar turnover, hit a runner in the lane. On the ensuing possession, Gringras stole the ball and scored the first of his three-consecutive baskets.

“A key for us was our defense,” Dacus said. “We allowed Dirigo to score (18 points) in the second half. Our goal was to hold them to 45 points, they did get 47. But in the end, it came down to defense.”

Dirigo (1-5) was limited to field goals by Chris Richards and Trevis Knapp in the fourth quarter. It was a sharp contrast to the Cougars’ run in the third quarter, as Spencer Berry (game high 17 points) made two baskets and Mike Holmquist hit a trey.

Dirigo had shot 60 percent from the floor in the first half, but could not keep up with the fast pace. The Cougars shot 35 percent in the second half, including one of six from beyond the arc.

“We wanted to get them out of their zone,” Dacus said. “They went to a man-to-man and we felt comfortable. We believed that our athletic talents were better. But, it still came down to defense.”

Winthrop received 11 points from Sam Leclerc. The Ramblers made six of 19 3-pointers

Dirigo led through much of the first half, behind two treys by Gary Holman and four straight baskets by Richards.