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Otters snap 18 game skid versus Spuds
Published 10:58am Wednesday, January 16, 2013The Moorhead Spuds had the Fergus Falls boys basketball team’s number for the last few seasons. But on Tuesday night, that all changed as the Otters were able to hold off the hosting Spuds 60-57 to snap an 18 game head-to-head losing streak.
Fergus was able to jump out to an early lead and kept Spud star Aaron Lien off balance in the first half as they left at the break up 31-25.
The Otters were able to extend their lead in the second half to 16 points, but saw the wheels fall off as they committed nine straight turnovers to allow Moorhead back to within two.
With less than a minute to play, Austin Rund sank two key free throws for the visiting team, but saw the Spuds storm down the court and hit a trey to cut the lead to one with 15 seconds to play.
A quick foul put Isaiah Lemke at the line for Fergus to shoot two pressure filled shots. With ice in his veins, Lemke sank both shots, but Moorhead still possessed a chance to tie the game.
The Spuds were able to drive the length of the court and throw up a desperation three. The shot missed, but a near put back almost cost the Otters the win.
“It just was a total team effort,” Fergus Falls coach Dave Rund said. “We had some great contributions from out bench and our post players really played well this evening.”
Fergus’ Mike Millard led the team in scoring with 17 points on a seven for eight, while fellow post player Reece Johnson finished with 10 points on a five for six evening.
Teammate Rund was also a key contributor in the game as he tallied 11 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double.
Moorhead’s Lien could not be contained the entire game as he finished with 24 points, 18 in the second half.
Fergus won the battle of the boards 31-14, but committed 21 turnovers compared to the Spuds’ 9.
In JV action, the Otters fell 62-59 in overtime. Noah Strom dropped in 15 points for Fergus, while Joel King recorded eight tallies and eight boards.
The Otters will look to continue their momentum as they host Central Lakes Conference rival Sartell Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
FERGUS FALLS (60) – Mike Millard 17, Austin Rund 11, Reece Johnson 10, Jackson McAllister 8, Drew Pearson 6, Isaiah Lemke 6, Joe Gaworski 2. FG – 21-39 3’s – 6-12 FT – 12-18 PF – 15
MOORHEAD (57) – Aaron Lien 24, Cody Dorow 12, Brett Lawerence 11, Austin Nelson 8, Zack Tobbins 2. FG – 19-48 3’s – 4-16 FT – 15-21 PF – 18
Fergus Falls 31 29 — 60
Moorhead 25 32 — 57
