SWAMPSCOTT — After Swampscott’s Tuesday victory over Saugus – in which the Sachems failed to get a final shot attempt off in the final seconds – boys basketball coach Jason Knowles said defense was the key.

Again, that stifling defense was the name of the game in Swampscott’s 51-45 win over Gloucester Friday night.

Swampscott allowed just 13 first-half points en route to victory, but it wasn’t always pretty.

A 6-0 Gloucester run across the first four minutes of the game quieted the rowdy Swampscott fan section, but a 14-0 home-team run to finish the first quarter – capped off by a Nakeylen Davis (8 points) three-pointer – ignited the energy in the gym (16-6).

Swampscott’s momentum carried into the second quarter when Connor Chiarello (16 points), Liam Wales (9), and Davis all found their way to the rim with ease.

Wales’ pull-up three, followed by Gabe Tripp’s (6 points) tip-in to beat the buzzer, gave Swampscott an astounding 31-13 lead going into halftime.

The third quarter presented a bit more of a challenge for the Big Blue, as they were outscored by the Fisherman, 22-9, in the frame.

Better yet for Gloucester, it cut things to one point with four minutes remaining.

But a Jake Collins (3 points) three ball and Wales scoop-and-score gave Swampscott a 49-43 lead that it never looked back from.

The victory came with plenty of joy from the student section, and improved the Big Blue’s record to 2-0 on the young season.

Swampscott’s next test will be Tuesday when it travels to Bishop Fenwick for a 7 p.m. meeting.

Swampscott’s leading scorers

Connor Chiarello (16)
Liam Wales (9)
Nakeylen Davis (8)
Gabe Tripp (6)
Adam Sparacio (6)
Jake Collins (3)
Quinn Fitzpatrick (3)