ST. CLOUD -- St. Cloud Tech solved Willmar's zone in the second half and broke away for a 52-40 win in Central Lakes Conference girls basketball Thursday.
The Cardinals' 2-3 matchup zone helped keep the Tigers in check in the first half, leading to a 22-22 halftime score. Willmar (1-2, 2-2) closed the half on a 15-5 run.
St. Cloud Tech turned things around in the second half, and made use of the free-throw line, making 18-of-27 overall. The Cardinals, who went to the line 10 times in the first half, finished 9 for 19.
Lisa Nielsen and Kelsey Evans combined for 29 of the team's points. Nielsen posted a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Evans, who made the team's only three-pointer, followed with 11 points and seven boards.
Jordyn Sears scored 18 points, making both of St. Cloud Tech's three-pointers. Terin Euerle added 12 points for the Tigers (3-0, 4-0).
ADVERTISEMENT
SC Tech 52, Willmar 40
Willmar (1-2, 2-2) 22 20 -- 40
SC Tech (3-0, 4-0) 22 30 -- 52
WILLMAR - 15-37 FG (1-12 3 pt); 9-19 FT; 30 rebounds; 20 fouls ... Scoring: Kelsey Evans 11, Brin Hanson 5, Jenna Okins 4, Briana Goldschmidt 2, Lisa Nielsen 18 ... 3-point shots: Evans 1 ... Rebound leader: Nielsen 10, Evans 7 ... Assist leader: Brown 4, Hanson 3 ... Steal leader: Brown 2
ST. CLOUD TECH - 16-40 FG (2-9 3 pt); 18-27 FT; 18 rebounds; 15 fouls ... Scoring: Jordyn Sears 18, Micki Seibring 5, Erin Foley 6, Terin Euerle 12, Meredith Kaczor 8 ... 3-point shots: Sears 2 ... Rebound leader: Kaczor 5, Euerle 5 ... Assist leader: Foley 4 ... Steal leader: Sears 2
