TUPPERS PLAINS, Ohio — The hole was simply too large to get out of.

Visiting Trimble jumped out to a 22-6 first quarter advantage and Eastern was never able to catch up Tuesday night following a 68-56 decision in a Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division boys basketball matchup at the Eagles’ Nest in Meigs County.

The host Eagles (0-2, 0-1 TVC Hocking) outscored the Tomcats by a 50-46 margin over the final three quarters of play, but EHS was never able to cut its early deficit down to three possessions — allowing Trimble (2-0, 1-0) to open league play with a 12-point road win.

The Eagles connected on 19-of-57 field goal attempts for 33 percent, including a 2-of-13 effort from three-point range for just 13 percent. THS, conversely, netted 25-of-71 floor attempts for 35 percent, including a 3-of-9 effort from behind the arc for 33 percent.

Trimble also gained a 40-32 overall edge in rebounding and committed just 10 turnovers, six less than the hosts’ tally of 16. EHS was 16-of-23 at the free throw line for 70 percent, while the guests were 15-of-31 at the charity stripe for 48 percent.

Both teams scored 15 points apiece in the second quarter for a 37-21 contest at the half, but Eastern followed with a 15-12 run for a 49-36 deficit after three quarters of play. The hosts made a small 20-19 run in the fourth to finish things out.

Max Carnahan led Eastern with a game-high 21 points, followed by Troy Gantt with 12 points and Christian Speelman with 11 markers. Zakk Heaton was next with six points, while Chase Jenkins and Cameron Richmond rounded things out with three markers apiece.

Carnahan also had a team-best eight rebounds, while Speelman and Jenkins respectively added seven and five caroms.

Jacob Kish led the Tomcats with 19 points, followed by Cody Bragg with 15 points and Konner Standley with 11 markers.