Following last week's tough loss to BangorSalisbury's second league loss of the seasonthe Falcons wanted to make a statement the next time they took the court against Palisades.

And right from the opening tip off, the Falcons certainly put together an outing that could be heard around the rest of the Colonial League.

The Falcons, who scored 16 of the 20 first-quarter points, led 31-17 going into halftime. And after leading by as much as 28 points in the third quarter, the Falcons added another win to their record with a 58-37 victory on Friday night at Salisbury High School.

"One of our focuses was that we've got to play good basketball no matter who we're playing," head coach Jason Weaver said. "Whether it's Bangor, Palmerton or whatever else, we've got to have the same mindset and we've got to be consistent. And we haven't been consistent lately. That game last Friday against Palmerton, we just didn't come out with fire, and tonight we did."

With the Falcons' upcoming schedule that includes road games against playoff-contending teams, Weaver understands the importance of that crucial stretch. The Falcons are fighting for a league playoff spot, and although they currently control their own destiny as the second seed, Saucon Valley (8-4), Northern Lehigh (7-4) and Notre Dame-Green Pond (7-5) are all knocking on the doorstep.

"We've got a really tough week coming up," Weaver said. "We're on the road for three gamesSaucon [Valley], Northern Lehigh and Notre Dame. That's a rough week."

Once down by 19 in the second quarter, the Pirates were able to cut that deficit to 14 going into halftime thanks in large part to an 11-6 run to end the second quarter.

Weaver, who saw his team's defense relax a bit as the half began to wind down, urged the Falcons to bring that intensity and pressure back onto the court to begin the second half.

His players certainly got the message.

The Falcons, who allowed the Pirates to shoot 3-of-14 from the field, gave up just seven third-quarter points. The Pirates were also forced into four turnovers that helped the Falcons jumped out to a 49-24 lead going into the fourth.

"The intensity of the team," Uhl said was a point of emphasis during halftime. "It was definitely the loose balls, the 50-50s and rebounding."

"I wrote on the board that we relaxed," Weaver said. "We started standing straight up on defense, and we weren't helping and we weren't seeing things. You can't relax on defense."

The Falcons' defense lead to a number of fast break layups that Uhl in particular was able to benefit from.

After Uhl, who finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, opened up the third quarter by hitting one of two free throws, Justin Aungst found Uhl on the break for a lay in to stretch their lead to 34-17. Naveed Hadian then assisted on another Uhl basket, and Brad Vangeli then added an assist to Uhl in transition to make it 38-17 in favor of the Falcons. Uhl finished with seven points in the third.

"Pushing the ball is one of our best games," Uhl said. "There's nothing to argue about that."

Eddie Sanchez also finished with 15 points for the Falcons, with 14 coming in the first half. Vangeli tallied three three-pointers for nine points, while Aungst added six.

While it was the Falcons' starting lineup that was responsible for much of the team's scoring, Weaver was able to unload his bench for a good portion of the second half. Every Falcon saw court time in the win, and Weaver knows the importance the role players have on the team's success.

"The more we can get those guys action, that's relaxing for me," Weaver said. "We can give those guys a break."

Results from Tuesday's game against Saucon Valley were not available at time of press. The Falcons will travel to Northern Lehigh on Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.