DES MOINES — The Fort Dodge boys basketball team played Des Moines North to an even race through the first half here on Friday.

A late third-quarter surge was enough to propel the Polar Bears, though, who won their fourth straight with an 89-74 victory over the Dodgers.

The game was tied at 36 heading into the locker room, and Fort Dodge (4-15 overall) was still well within striking distance when the Polar Bears (12-4) landed a 10-0 punch to end the third.

“Defense wins games, and we’re still not getting enough stops,” FDSH head coach Willie Williams said. “We gave up almost 90 points (last night), 93 (at Storm Lake on Thursday), and over 70 to Ames and Urbandale. That’s just too many if you want to be competitive.

“We have to be better on that end. Period.”

Senior Cade Westerhoff had 25 points and nine rebounds for the Dodgers, with classmate Carter Woodruff adding 13. Freshman Reggie Pederson contributed 12, and junior Hayden Zuspann finished with nine.

“We had guys play hard and well offensively at times,” Williams said. “That was the good. Cade did a nice job. So did Carter, Reggie and Hayden. We started (freshman center) Brody (Maehl), who has been earning his playing time more and more. Tisyn (Hook) came off the bench and was solid.

“But this is a four-quarter game, not a two-quarter game. And for us to be in it late, we have to be more focused and give better energy defensively.”

Westerhoff moved into 14th place on the program’s all-time scoring charts with 693 career points.

Naszir Lamar led the Iowa Alliance Conference South Division-leading Polar Bears with 18 points. Four other North players also reached double figures: T’Angelo Bush (15), Da’corion White (14), War Billio (14) and Tarian McNeely (13).

The Dodgers are back in action on Tuesday at home against Des Moines Roosevelt.

DM NORTH 89, FORT DODGE 74

DM North — Naszir Lamar 18, T’Angelo Bush 15, Da’corion White 14, War Billio 14, Tarian McNeeley 13.

Fort Dodge — Cade Westerhoff 25, Carter Woodruff 13, Reggie Pederson 12, Hayden Zuspann 9, Taevon Feeley 4, Kauner Jensen 3, Gavin Davis 3, Tytrell Mosley 2, Brody Maehl 2, Tisyn Hook 2.

Quarter scores: North led 25-19; Tied 36-36; North led 62-49.