WILLMAR - Willmar finally started finding the bottom of the net in the second half and downed Benson 76-65 on Friday to close out the opening day of the Bremer Bank Holiday Classic at Willmar High School.
Willmar won its first game in eight starts. The Cardinals play New London-Spicer at 8 p.m. today. Benson (4-8) lost its fourth straight game. After a 3-2 start, the Braves have lost six of seven. They play BBE at 4 p.m. today at WHS.
The teams played an uneven first half, with the Braves taking a three-point lead into the break. But the Cardinals started converting on their offensive opportunities in the second half.
“We finally hit some shots,” said Willmar head coach Steve Grove.
Noah Streed led four Cards in double figures with 17 points and Tate Hovland finished with recorded the double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds.
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Noah Slagter continued his solid play with 16 points and five assists, Max Trochlil scored 10 points and Austin Grove had eight points and 11 rebounds.
Aaron Ahrndt led the Braves with 22 points. Layton Connelly had 14 points, Adam Lindahl scored 13 and Zack Sonnabend had eight points and eight rebounds.
Willmar 76, Benson 65
Benson (4-8) 31 34 - 65
Willmar (1-7) 28 48 - 76
Benson
25-69 FG; 11-18 FT; 21 fouls … Scoring: Aaron Ahrndt 22, Layton Connelly 14, Adam Lindahl 13, Zack Sonnabend 8, Andrew Lindahl 3, Logan Flegel 2 … 3-point shots: Ahrndt 1, Connelly 2 … Rebound leaders: Sonnabend 8, Ahrndt 5, A. Lindahl 5 … Assist leader: Ahrndt 2 … Steal leader: Ahrndt 4
Willmar
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24-59 FG; 21-29 FT; 17 fouls … Scoring: Noah Steed 17, Noah Slagter 16, Tate Hovland 16, Max Trochlil 10, Austin Grove 8, Max Doering 5, Jay Coquyt 2, Austin Boller 2 … 3-point shots: Streed 4, Slagter 1, Hovland 2 … Rebound leaders: Hovland 15, Grove 11 … Assist leaders: Slagter 5, Streed 3 … Steal leaders: Hovland 2, Trochlil 2, Coquyt 2
