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Fergus Falls Girls Basketball vs. Alexandria Game [UPDATED]
Published 7:57pm Friday, March 8, 2013 Updated 3:11pm Saturday, March 9, 2013The Otters win the tip-off. The Alexandria Cardinals come out in a full court press, looking to throw the Fergus shooters off in the early going.
After a few possessions the score remains 0-0. The Otters are also playing a press defense and have forced an early turnover. Neither team has found an offensive spark in the early going.
After working the ball around, the Otters are the first one on the board as Brianna Rasmusson nails a trey three minutes into the game.
Alexandria was able to break into the game as Hannah Swenson foul saw Amanda Christanson hit two free throws. A quick steal by Rasmusson gives the Otters a three point lead. Rasmusson give up another shooting foul to Christanson and she nails both shots.
The Cardinals take the lead on a drive by Sarah Bruzek, but Ramusson reponds with a drive of her own to put the Otters back in front.
Christanson is causing problems for Fergus offensively as a quick jumper puts Alex back on top.
Fans are getting rowdy on both sides of the of the court after a barrage of fouls are traded. Both teams are playing very aggressive style of defense.
Strand has gone to the line in back-to-back trips down the court and has made three of four so far. Hannah Swenson sneaks an easy bucket in and the Otters take a five point lead.
Alexandria has made a lot of early substitutions, looking to wear down the Otters. Anna Monke is set up to shot two from the line as Head Coach Brad Strand calls a timeout.
After a miss and a make the Otters hold a six point lead. A few missed shots and a sweet jumper later, Monke hits a two from the charity stripe.
The Cardinals score a quick bucket and drop back into a half court defense. Kristin Traiser drops in a bunny, followed by another Christanson two. Swenson with another two for the Otters.
Alexandria has been able to limit the usually up tempo offensive style of the Otters. Strand gets fouled shooting and makes both from the line. Alexandria’s offense looks confused without Christianson on the court.
The Otters offense is using several different offenses to score. Rasmusson just posted up for a quick lay up. Rasmusson with another steal and goes coast to coast for a bucket. The Otter junior really is lighting up the score board in the early going.
We have hit a timeout by Fergus with a little more than two minutes to play.
Alexandria fires back with two buckets, but the Cardinals foul strand for the one and one as she hits both. The Cards follow with a two with under a minute to play.
Former Otter girls coach Josh Mohagen is in attendance. Mohagen led the girls team to a third place finish in last season’s state Class AAA tourney.
Swenson is fouled, she will shoot two. Swenson misses both shots as Alex sets up for the final play of the half. The Otters bring in defensive specialists for the occasion.
A foul puts Christianson once again at the line and makes the one and one. Rasmusson hits a three pointer at the half-time buzzer to give the Otters a 31-22 lead at the break.
HALF TIME STATS: Ramusson scored 14 first half points, while teammate Strand had 7.
Alexandria’s Christianson leads the team at the break with 12 tallies.
Start of the second half.
Fergus Falls starts the second half with the ball, Alexandria continues its full court pressure.
After a defensive stop, Alexandria scores an and one. The Otters lose the ball on an the inbound.
Danielle Strater puts in another two for the Cardinals.
Otter Bailey strand hits one from the top of the key. Otters up 33-27.
After several trips up and down the court, both teams score two. Otters lead 35-29
Cardinal Amanda Christianson puts in two for Alexandria, making the score 35-31 in favor of the Otters. Alexandria’s full court press is making things difficult for the Otters.
Both teams score on successful trips up the court. After two Alexandria free throws, the Otters hold a 39-33.
Alexandria pulls within one after a Amanda Christianson three and lay in to follow. Otters lead 39-38.
Brianna Rasmusson called for charging. That is her fourth foul. Otters lead by three, 43 to 40.
After a rebound, Alexandria puts in an easy one, 43-42 Otters.
7 minutes to go and Alexandria is still looking for their first lead. Jump ball goes to the Otters.
Bailey Stand hits a three pointer to increase the Otter lead. 46-42
Alexandria answers with a score, 46-44 Otters.
With 5 minutes left the Cardinals tie the game for the first time since the beginning of game. But Otter Bailey Strand breaks the tie with a pair of free throws. 4:36 to play and the Otters lead 48-46.
