The Dragon boys basketball team hosted Duluth Marshall on Saturday.
It's not often we get to be apart of Saturday games during the regular season, but we were treated to a good one.
Early on the Hilltoppers went to their bread and butter, using their full ride D2 commit player any and everywhere on both sides of the ball. If he didn't make the shot he was busy rebounding and creating second and third scoring chances. This allowed Marshall to get out to and early advantage. The Dragons were not going to be outdone on their own court, they made a few adjustments and quickly cut their deficit to just a couple points. For nearly the remainder of the 1st half the two teams kept the game close, but near the end Marshall was able to go on a run and lead at halftime 40-28.
The Hilltoppers were dominate early on in the 2nd half, and they had soon built up a 20 point lead. But the Dragons team is battle tested and has nothing but want, will, and passion for the game. Those attributes were tested and maybe even shaken alittle bit, but Pine City was quick to right the ship. They cut into the deficit and started to swing momentum back in their favor. Marshall was able to hold a double digit lead till late in the half, then the comeback was on. The Dragons had pulled within 6 of the Toppers lead and it felt like everything was coming together. With under a minute to go PC had gotten white hot from the perimeter and just needed their opportunity to shoot. Unfortunately, they were in a bind, they needed to foul but only had 3 and need to get 4 more to start sending Marshall to the line. But it took too much time to get those fouls and the clock quickly drained. The Dragons comeback fell short 73-67.
Although the Dragons lost, they have certainly grown this week. They know they can play with anyone and can make those comebacks. They know have the belief which can be as infectious as a win streak. They'll not play till Thursday when the host MLWR.
Scoring
Pine City:
AJ Ostensen 28
Sawyer McDaniel 14
Austin Wiener 11
Charlie Ausmus and Grant Larson 5
Grant Skluzacek and Jace Peterson 2
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