A new approach vaulted the Southland boys basketball team to a 45-29 win at Dover/Eyota (2-10 overall) Tuesday.

The Rebels (3-6 overall, 1-4 Three Rivers) kept the focus on defense and slowed it down on offense to get the victory.

“We stressed defense a lot and the effort was phenomenal. We were after every loose ball and every rebound,” Southland head coach Jon Thalberg said. “On offense, we just took what they gave us and our patience paid off.”

Southland scoring: Alan May, 16; Chris May, 11; Josh Jax, 9; Zach Heimer, 8; Sam Noterman, 1; free throws: 45 percent (5-for-11)

D/E scoring: Blair Johnson, 11; Brian Thoe, 10; Matt Osten, 4; Luke Wilder, 4; free throws: 0 percent (0-for-3)