The Riverside Brookfield boys basketball team edged one step closer to a conference championship as the Bulldogs knocked off Elmwood Park 69-49 on Friday.

It was the third straight victory for the Bulldogs (8-10 overall, 6-0 Metro Suburban Conference).

The Tigers were on fire in the first half, sinking seven three pointers en route to a 27-26 halftime lead. But the Bulldogs took charge in the third quarter, going on a 21-4 run to cruise to victory. Senior Jon Baldermann was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 35 points (16-of-22 from the field) and grabbing 18 rebounds. Chris Parrish added 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

“They were shooting the ball very well in the first half, but then they cooled off and we took advantage,” RB coach Tom McCloskey said. “In the third quarter we started running the floor and the points came from there. Jon’s effort was great … he really had his game going. Plus, to get 18 rebounds is quite a feat when you are shooting as well as he did.”

It was a similar story against Minooka on Jan. 23. The Bulldogs had a narrow 27-25 lead at the break, but exploded in the second half to claim a 58-42 win. RB led by as many as 22 points by the fourth quarter, allowing McCloskey to get all his players some time on the court. Parrish led the Bulldogs with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Baldermann chipped in 15 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore guard Dan Oswald added 11 points and six assists.

“We were a little flat in the first half, but we adjusted well and really broke things open in the second half,” he said. “It was nice to get everybody some playing time and give the starters some rest.”

Things do not get any easier for the Bulldogs this week, as they face conference rival Ridgewood, a team they have had to come from behind to win in two previous meetings, which makes McCloskey a little uncomfortable.

“Ridgewood is a huge conference game because if we win, we will at least tie for the conference championship,” he said. “I want us to play four solid quarters without having to come back-that is my goal. Because of the importance of this game, we will definitely need some excellent fan support. We had a great crowd for the Fenton game, so I hope our sixth man is there for us again.”

Tip-off for Friday’s game at Riverside Brookfield is 7 p.m.