Norwalk uses strong fourth to down Newton boys

A tough shooting night and a subpar fourth quarter hindered the Newton boys basketball team against Norwalk on Tuesday.

The Cardinals led by two after three quarters but struggled from the floor all night during a 45-38 home loss in Little Hawkeye Conference action.

Newton trailed 11-8 after one quarter but held the Warriors to a two-point second frame to force a 13-all tie at the break. The Cardinals won the third 18-16 but were outscored 16-7 in the fourth.

Landon Bozarth led the Cardinals with 12 points and a career-high nine rebounds. He was 5-of-5 from the free-throw line.

Caden Klein added four points, five rebounds and five assists, while Isaiah Slaughter chipped in seven points, four rebounds, two steals and three blocks off the bench.

Dawson Maki collected seven points and two boards, Cade Bauer had five points and four rebounds and Christian Ergenbright chipped in three points, three rebounds and two steals off the bench.

Newton (5-5, 2-4 in the conference) shot 27 percent from the floor, made 4-of-30 from 3-point range and connected on 8-of-13 from the free throw line.

The Cardinals, who are 2-5 since starting 3-0, committed 11 turnovers.

It was Norwalk’s sixth straight win over Newton. The Warriors (5-5, 3-2) snapped their four-game skid, which included losses to Class 4A No. 2 West Des Moines Valley (61-58) and 4A No. 4 Cedar Rapids Kennedy (70-41).