Just one good performance – in a Jan. 3 victory over Syracuse’s Institute of Technology Central – might have given the Skaneateles boys basketball team the jolt it needed for a run through the latter half of its regular-season slate.

The Lakers, who were 2-5 before that win over ITC, made it back-to-back victories last Wednesday night by venturing to Jordan-Elbridge and cruising past the Eagles 60-44.

For the most part, it was the Skaneateles defense setting the tone, as it held J-E to just five points in the first quarter to seize quick control. By halftime, the margin was 28-16, and the Lakers nearly doubled it in a 19-12 third quarter that proved decisive.

Up front, Jake Peterson was a force, amassing 12 rebounds and five blocks to go with his 14 points. Bobby Leslie had a team-high 19 points, plus four assists, while Pete Knupp had eight points. Collin Jones and Chris Knupp had seven points apiece as J-E’s Kyle Matousek led both sides with 20 points.

Now the Lakers will look for three wins in a row, along with a return to the. 500 mark, next Tuesday as it tried to avenge its 65-61 defeat to Marcellus on Dec. 28. A trip to Phoenix follows on Thursday night.