IOWA FALLS – Foul trouble and shooting wobbles from long range were causes for concern on the Webster City boys’ basketball team’s bench here Friday night, but not enough to vanquish the Lynx from the land of the unbeatens.

With the offense sputtering somewhat, WCHS directed its focus to the defensive end of the floor and the effort carried the Lynx to a 53-36 romp over North Central Conference challenger Iowa Falls-Alden.

The Lynx (4-0, 2-0 NCC) connected on just 2 of 13 3-point shots (15 percent) and made 41 percent overall (17 of 41). Head coach Marty McKinney was forced to platoon bodies in the opening half, as three key cogs – starters Landon Daniels and Colt Richardson, as well as top reserve Brandon Ausenhus – all picked up three fouls.

“I thought we defended well,” McKinney said. “It was a game where it was hard to get any flow going. It was a rough night that we survived and made enough plays to win, but we’ve got to be better.”

Even with foul issues, WCHS managed to open up an 11-point halftime lead, 31-20.

The Lynx received a game-high 18 points from Avery Fuhs, and the senior shooting guard also procured five assists and four steals. Richardson finished with 10 points, Alec Fuhs registered eight points and seven boards, and Connor Shannon came off the bench to produce five points and seven rebounds.

WCHS also had its problems at the foul line where it made just 12 of 24 attempts.

“I’m pleased that we got to the line that many times … but when you shoot 50 percent, you’re not doing yourself any favors,” McKinney said. “That’s got to get better.”

IF-A (1-2, 0-2 NCC) received 12 points from Jace Ites, but that’s a far cry from the 25 points per game he averaged entering the night.

Daniels got the early defensive nod on Ites, but quickly found himself in foul trouble. Sean Vogelbacher then took over and more than held his own.

“(Ites) got eight quick (points) in the first quarter, but he only ended up with 12. We’ll take that,” McKinney said. “Sean did a good job of making him work for everything he got.”

WCHS will be at Hampton-Dumont on Tuesday before it ends the pre-Christmas portion of its schedule at home on Friday against Clarion-Goldfield-Dows.