Newtown High School's boys' basketball team put the skids on a four-game losing streak with a 60-49 win over visiting New Fairfield, on January 30.

The Nighthawks improved to 7-7 overall and 2-5 in South-West Conference play.

"The win tonight versus New Fairfield was a big must win - gets us to seven with one more for the state tournament. Players set the tone in the first half with solid defense and a good job pushing the ball. When we can do that, it really benefits us," Newtown Coach Tim Tallcouch said.

Newtown jumped out to a 16-10 lead after one quarter of play and 37-21 advantage at halftime.

Todd Petersen led the way with 13 points. Evan Eggleston scored eight, Ryan Escoda and Riley Ward both had six, and Max Bloomquist added five.

Petersen pulled down nine rebounds. Escoda and Ward had three and two steals, respectively.

The Hawks were coming off a 75-60 loss at Torrington the night before. Nick Weiland had 15 points. Ward and Eggleston both poured in 13, Petersen had ten, and Robert DiSibio added seven.

Weiland led NHS with seven rebounds, DiSibio pulled down five, and Shea Talbot had four. Petersen had five of Newtown's ten steals.

Newtown will visit 2-12 Masuk, which it defeated in a nonconfernece battle earlier this season, on Friday, February 2, beginning at 7 pm. The Hawks will host New Milford (6-7 overall and 3-4 in the SWC) on Tuesday, February 6, also at 7 pm, but aren't looking ahead.

"One game at a time. At Masuk on Friday and that's where our focus has got to be," Tallcouch said.