Having time off can be a double-edged sword.

While the rest is good for the body, the lack of competition can make a team stale.

Palmerton returned to game action Friday after having more than a week off. And while it took some time for the Blue Bombers to get into gear, they eventually did and earned a 51-40 Colonial League victory over visiting Wilson.

“We went eight days without a game,” Palmerton head coach Ken Termini said. “I think there was a little rust there in the first half. Credit to Wilson, they played very aggressive and a triangle-and-two, which definitely messed us up for a little while.

“In the third quarter, we were able to make adjustments and we took over the game there. It’s really nice when you can see your kids listening in during a huddle and go out and make an adjustment like that.”

Wilson didn’t make it easy on Palmerton as the Warriors held a 20-18 halftime advantage.

Matt Machalik came through with seven points in the third quarter as the Bombers used a 15-5 quarter to take the lead.

Machalik finished with a game-high 23 points, while Brayden Hosier also reached double figures with 13.

“We knew Matt and Brayden would put points up for us,” Termini said. “We’re searching for a consistent third-and-fourth scorer and for other guys to be able to fill their roles.

“We get varying results on some nights still, but I think every game we got a little closer.”

Machalik and Hosier combined for 71% of their team’s points. Trace Stahler, who hit Palmerton’s only three-pointer in the contest, chipped in with seven.

Hosier, who recently hit the 1,000-point plateau, tossed in seven of his points in the fourth quarter as the Bombers held on for the victory. The senior was held to just six points during the first three periods.

“My coaches were telling me I was forcing it a little bit,” Hosier said. “I realized that, so I just tried to find my teammates when I could ... We were able to find that trust in our team and go on a run.

“It’s nice to finally get it over with,” added Hosier about reaching his milestone. “It was definitely a little nerve-racking in that game. It’s nice that people aren’t asking me how far away I am anymore. I’m just glad I can be able to play now.”

Isaiah Singleton paced Wilson with a team-high 12 points. Anthony Shaw scored all 10 of his points in the first half to help the Warriors head to the locker room with a lead. The visitors also received 10 points from Brady Westbrooks.

TERMINI ON HOSIER ... “Brayden is a three-year captain. He joined his brother in the 1,000-point club the other night. Brayden brings great offensive skill for us. He’s willing to go inside against big guys. He’s patient when he gets inside and doesn’t panic. He’s able to stretch the floor when he gets hot on the outside.”

RECORDS ... Palmerton, after suffering two straight losses in the Central Catholic tournament, rebounded to up its record to 7-3 overall. The Bombers are still undefeated in league play, sporting a 7-0 mark. Wilson, meanwhile, fell to 6-4 overall and 5-3 in the CL.

WILSON

Rountree 1-0-0-2, Kelly-Range 2-1-2-6, Singleton 6-0-0-12, Shaw 4-0-0-10, Westbrooks 4-0-0-10, Sagrestano 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 17-1-2-40.

PALMERTON

Serfass 0-0-0-0, Machalik 10-3-3-23, Ja. Grammes 1-2-5-4, Leister 0-0-0-0, Pengelly 0-0-0-0, Hosier 5-3-4-13, T. Stahler 2-2-4-7, L. Anthony 2-0-0-4. TOTALS: 20-10-16-51.

Wilson 12 8 5 15 - 40

Palmerton 10 8 15 18 - 51

Three-pointers: Wilson - Westbrooks 2, Shaw 2, Kelly-Range 1; Palmerton - T. Stahler 1.