MANKATO — Last week, Mankato East defeated Worthington in overtime to earn a home game for the first round of the Section 2AAA boys basketball tournament.
On Tuesday, the fourth-seeded Cougars took advantage of the home court to produce a 63-46 victory in the playoff opener at the East gym.
“It’s been a tough season, and now we’re down to eight teams in the section and three games to go to state,” senior guard Alex Welter said. “Now our magic number is 2, and people are starting to get excited.”
Welter’s first shot wasn’t very good, from about 25 feet out, with hesitation, and he missed his next one, too. But he nailed consecutive 3-pointers, followed by another from Brady Dose that made it 15-4 at the 12-minute mark.
“Worthington has two good post players, and you can’t just pound the ball inside all night,” East coach Joe Madson said. “We got some good perimeter looks, which made us more balanced, and Alex really got going there.”
Worthington came back within 19-16 when East had another run of 10 points, with Welter hitting another 3-pointer and Sam Onsomu scoring six points. A Brody Ziegler layup, with an assist by Welter, made it 33-20 at halftime.
“This team can be awfully good,” Madson said. “When we have balanced scoring, that really helps.”
Welter hit another 3-pointer early in the second half as East grew the lead to 20 points with 15 minutes to go. Worthington was able to get back within 11 eight minutes later, but Ziegler had eight points as the Cougars closed out the victory.
“You play hundreds of basketball games, and now you think this one could be your last,” Welter said. “We just have to keep this going.”
Welter finished with 21 points, making 5 of 9 from 3-point range, and Onsomu had 18 points and six rebounds. Ziegler added 14 points and six boards.
For Worthington, posts Mitch Weg had 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Jalen Voss had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Worthington had a 38-26 rebounding advantage but committed 16 turnovers to 13 for East.
East (16-11) plays top-seeded Hutchinson at 7 p.m. Saturday at Hutchinson.
The Cougars lost 72-55 to the Tigers on Dec. 19 at East.
“We want to play them again,” Welter said. “Tonight was all about getting another chance.”
Sports
Related Photos
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Worthington's Travis Meinders tries to block a shot by Mankato East's Alex Welter during the first half Tuesday. Pat Christman
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Mankato East's Sam Onsomu (22) and Worthington's Mitch Weg (45) battle for a rebound during the first half Tuesday. Pat Christman
Welter’s hot shooting sparks East past Worthington
Cougars to face top-seeded Hutchinson
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