The Newman Comets roared out to a big lead, then recovered from a rough second quarter to beat Princeton 54-46 in a Sauk Valley Shootout game Friday evening at Musgrove Fieldhouse.

The Comets (3-1) led 21-8 after the opening 8 minutes, then were outscored 11-4 in the second period. But they built on their 25-19 halftime lead and hung on for the victory.

A.J. Sharp scored 14 points for Newman, and Kyle Moore added 11 points, five rebounds and two blocks. John Payan scored eight and Micah Trancoso nabbed four steals.