JOHNS CREEK - Scoring is not a reliable entity in basketball, so when the rims are being unfriendly, teams lean on that which is trustworthy in the game: defense and rebounding.

A perfect example of the aforementioned is the Gainesville boys 47-33 region-opening win at Johns Creek on Tuesday.

The Red Elephants (3-2, 1-0 Region 7-5A) outscored Johns Creek in each quarter despite going 3-of-14 from three, and shot just 39% from the field and did so by holding the Gladiators to one shot more times than not, out-rebounding them 26-18 defensively; and with their length and quickness ensured shots were contested holding Johns Creek to 22% shooting (5.3% from three) to get the win.

Where Gainesville got its offense Tuesday is directly related to the physicality shown in its defensive rebounding and overall effort on that side of the ball: the paint and transition.

Led by Jaxson Jones' 14 points, Big Red scored 26 points from below the free-throw line - to the Gladiators 18 - and 10 in the open floor.

Among the six players who scored for GHS, which returns to action at 7:30 p.m. Friday when it hosts Chattahoochee, Caden Jackson had 10 points and Charlie Gersmehl added eight.