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FF boys edge rival Alexandria 52-51
Published 10:58am Wednesday, December 12, 2012ALEXANDRIA — Fergus Falls Head Coach Dave Rund and the Otter boys basketball team breathed a sigh of relief Tuesday night as the Otters were able to overcome a late game meltdown to take a 52-51 victory back home defeating the Alexandria Cardinals in Central Lakes Conference play.
The first half lived up to the hype as both teams came ready to play defense. On the flip side, the offensive production from both teams was minimal in the first as the Otters left for the locker room at the break with a 26-23 lead.
The Otters seemed to gain control of the game in the second half, but almost let the win slip away as they missed seven consecutive free throws in the final two minutes.
Alexandria was able to capitalize, but unable to get over the hump as Fergus snuck away with the win.
“To win a game with a lack of offensive production says a lot about how well our defense played,” Rund said. “We missed a lot of easy bunnies and open looks that made this game too close for comfort.”
Fergus’ Mike Millard helped the lackluster offensive effort dropping in 23 points and grabbing 10 boards, while teammates Reece Johnson and Austin Rund chipped in seven rebounds apiece in the win.
The Cardinals and future South Dakota State Jackrabbit Logan Doyle threw down 16 points, while teammate Ted Dietz chipped in 15.
“Our guys competed hard all night. They kept fighting and trying to find a way to gut it out,” added Rund.
Alexandria was able to hold the Otter shooters to only one three pointer in the game and won the battle of the boards 38-33.
The Otters will back home Thursday evening as they host the struggling St. Cloud Tech Tigers (0-3) in a 7:30 p.m. CLC showdown.
FF 26 26 — 52
ALEX 23 28 — 51
FERGUS FALLS (52) — Mike Millard 23, Austin Rund 6, Isiah Lemke 6, Jackson McAllister 5, Reece Johnson 5, Drew Pearson 3, Drew Reinertson 2, Joe Gaworski 2. FG – 23/56 FT- 7/19 PF – 17
ALEXANDRIA (51) — Logan Doyle 16, Ted Dietz 15, Joe Gorghuber 8, David Krivanek 8, Kris Setterstrom 2, Travis Krueger 2. FG – 21/50 FT 7/19 PF – 16
