Packers find their energy in win over Falcons

Published 11:14 pm Tuesday, January 24, 2017

The Packers were had plenty of gas left in the tank when they squared off against a conference foe for the second time in as many days as they beat Faribault 63-39 in a boys basketball game in Packer Gym Tuesday. The game had its start time moved up two hours due to a snowstorm.

Austin (12-1 overall, 9-1 Big Nine) didn’t show any signs of early fatigue as it used a 16-0 run to go up 29-6 and the Falcons (9-4 overall, 7-3 Big Nine) weren’t able to get in an offensive rhythm all night.

Austin’s Ngor Deng pushes the ball off the point during the first half Tuesday night against Faribault. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Austin’s Ngor Deng pushes the ball off the point during the first half Tuesday night against Faribault. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

The 39 points Austin allowed on Monday is its second least points allowed in a game all year and its the least amount of points Faribault has scored in a game this year.

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“We just had to grind them out,” said Austin senior Oman Oman, who had five points, seven rebounds, three steals and three assists. “We knew we had to come out focused today and play hard.”

The Packers shared the wealth in the win as seven different players scored in the first half and 10 total players scored in the win. Tate Hebrink helped keep the ball movement going as he finished with eight points and five assists.

“When we play team ball, we are a way better team than when we play one on one,” Hebrink said.

Austin’s Jany Gash passes in traffic during the second half Tuesday night in Packer Gym against Faribault. Eric Johnson/photodesk@dailyherald.com

Austin’s Jany Gash passes in traffic during the second half Tuesday night in Packer Gym against Faribault. Eric Johnson/photodesk@dailyherald.com

Duoth Gach had 14 points and Both Gach had 12 points, four assists and four rebounds, but the Packer bench also stepped up in the win. Moses Issa scored seven of his nine points during Austin’s early 16-0 run.

“I was happy with our bench play tonight,” Austin head coach Kris Fadness said. “I thought Moses played better and he gave us some good energy off the bench. I thought the vibe was just better round our team for whatever reason.”

Austin’s Moses Issa gets a lay-up against Faribault in the first half Tuesday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Austin’s Moses Issa gets a lay-up against Faribault in the first half Tuesday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Faribault 16  23  —  39

Austin 34  29  —  63

Austin scoring: Duoth Gach, 14; Both Gach, 12; Moses Issa, 9; Tate Hebrink, 8; Oman Oman, 5; Kyle Oberbroeckling, 4; Pat Hagan, 4; Tyler Tupy, 3; Jany Gash, 3; Jesse Synoground, 1; free throws: 83 percent (5-for-6); rebounds: 31 (Oman, 7); turnovers: 10

Austin’s Both Gach pulls up for a jumper in the lane in the first quarter Tuesday night agianst Faribault. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Austin’s Both Gach pulls up for a jumper in the lane in the first quarter Tuesday night agianst Faribault. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com