MOSCOW — Sandpoint’s boys basketball team was coming off a 40 minute-long double overtime victory against Lakeland where it felt like it did everything right.

It seemed as though all the constant struggles with turnovers and not answering back to runs were ironed out.

But in Game 1 of the 4A District I-II championship against Moscow, Sandpoint showed one of the biggest backbreakers a team can show, fatigue.

The Bears routed the Bulldogs, 73-40.

“Bottom line, it wasn’t our night,” Sandpoint boys basketball coach Brian Childs said. “I’m not one for excuses, but when you play 40 minutes two nights before, that’s going to take a toll on anybody.”

Moscow hopped out in front of Sandpoint 14-4 within the first three minutes of the first quarter.

By the end of the first, Moscow held a 19-10 advantage.

By halftime, Moscow was leading 34-18, which included a 13-3 run during the first five minutes of the second. Sandpoint hit two back-to-back baskets before the end of the quarter to slim the margin.

The second half was more of the same. Moscow opened up the third quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 43-18 advantage.

“Give Moscow credit, they came to play,” Childs said. “When you come in and play a really good team like Moscow with little rest, you’re going to be in trouble.”

The Bears were efficient from beyond the arc; it converted nine 3-pointers, most of which came in the first half.

The battle on the boards also leaned heavily in Moscow's favor, which led to second chance points.

Sandpoint was led by Rusty Lee and Jacob Eldridge with 13 apiece.

Moscow had three scorers in double-figures. Taylor Strong led the Bears with 17, Bryden Brown had 11, and Zac Skinner added 10.

Moscow and Sandpoint will play in Game 2 of the District I-II Championship at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25 at Bear Den at Moscow High School.

Sandpoint 10 8 9 13 - 40

Moscow 19 15 21 15 - 73

Sandpoint - Lee 13, Eldridge 13, VanDenBerg 3, Dunkel 0, Dickinson 0, Childs 6, Lane 0, Bopp 2, Butler 3.

Moscow - Kees 6, Simpson 2, Wilson 2, Reed 2, Rehder 2, Isakson 3, Abendroth 8, Brown 11, Strong 17, Skinner 10, Hillman 5, Cummings 2.