Packer boys hang on to beat Winhawks
Published 11:34 pm Friday, January 30, 2009
The Packer boys basketball team fought off Winona in a 54-51 victory on the road Friday.
T.J. Fritz hit a three-pointer to put Austin up 40-36 and Fritz hit four-of-five free throws down the stretch to ice the game.
Austin (10-2 overall, 7-1 Big Nine) had trailed 29-25 at the half and things were back and forth throughout the second frame.
“T.J.’s three gave us a tiny cushion and we were able to hold on to that lead. T.J. played big in the second half,” Austin head coach Kris Fadness said. “It was a tough game and Winona took a lot of things away from us.”
Connor Gunderson gave Austin a 50-41 lead with 1:29 left in the game when he converted a three-point play.
Austin, which forced 22 turnovers on the night, had led 9-2 to start the game.
Austin scoring: Marcus Gunderson, 13; Connor Gunderson, 11; Steven Rizzi, 11; Will Felten, 7; T.J. Fritz, 7; Chris Jahr, 3; Nate Justice, 2; rebounds: 21; free throws: 77 percent (10-for-13)
Winona scoring: Joe Zimbric, 12; Alex Miene, 11; Mark Blacklock, 11; Alec Brown, 10; rebounds: 20