Only 48 hours after a 30-point road loss, the Pocatello boys’ basketball team shook off the disappointment and responded.

    And despite missing a couple free throws that made the end a little closer than Indian fans would prefer, Pocatello held on to beat the Burley Bobcats 55-49 in the Palace Friday night.

    The Indians never trailed in the game and move to 1-1 for the season. Burley falls to 0-3.

    “It’s big, especially for some of my younger kids that don’t have the varsity experience, like Cade Pearson,” said Pocatello head coach Lee Ralphs. “He really stepped up and played big tonight. I think it gives them a lot of confidence. Especially coming off the Skyline game.”

    For the second game in a row, senior Spencer Jessee led the Indians in scoring with 17 — he had 20 Wednesday night. But unlike the opening game, Pocatello had nine players score.

    “I thought we did a lot better job tonight staying in control, working the ball offensively (and) not taking the first shot that comes available,” Ralphs said. “I think we’re only going to get better.”

    Off the bench, junior Cade Pearson added nine and he had two key baskets that triggered an 8-0 run to end the third.

    “That’s great for Cade and his confidence. He’s just a junior,” Ralphs said. “He’s capable of doing that. It was huge to see him step up and see him hit some shots.”

    Up to that point, Burley had hung with Pocatello, but heading into the fourth, the Indians built a 10-point lead.

    In the game’s final eight minutes, the Bobcats slowly worked their way back, scoring seven straight at one point, and drew within three. But, ultimately, the Indians made just enough plays defensively to hang on late.

    “It’s huge, especially at home,” Jessee said. “It helps because we’re going to have our home crowd cheer us on now that they’ve seen us win one. They’re going to come back again and again and cheer us on.”

    Pocatello will attempt to keep the momentum Tuesday at Canyon Ridge before hosting Highland Thursday.