WILLMAR -- Behind 20 points from Jimmy Unger, the Willmar Cardinals slapped a 69-51 loss on the Sartell Sabres Thursday night in Central Lakes Conference boys basketball.
The victory was the sixth in a row after an opening loss at Class AAAA Edina.
After a silent first half, Unger buried four three-pointers (in just five attempts) just after the Sabres had closed to within a point.
Willmar had led 31-21 with a minute left in the first half. But Sartell rang up nine straight points just before and after the break by converting four consecutive Willmar turnovers into baskets to close to 31-30.
Stoked by Unger's long-range shots, Willmar went on a 16-3 run to seize control and improve to 4-0 in the conference. The Sabres dropped to 0-4 in the CLC.
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Next up is a Saturday afternoon game at St. Cloud Apollo for first place alone. The Eagles (4-0, 6-2) rate as the preseason favorite in the CLC.
Willmar never trailed the Sabres, who have three non-conference wins. Dean Stier sank a three for an 15-6 lead. Coach Steve Grove loops in 10 players regularly so Willmar's fresh legs seem to lead to periodic surges that will expand a small lead quickly into double digits.
Unger got 18 of his points after the break. Jake Rambow tallied eight points in each half for 16 points. Jeremy Schendel followed with 11 points and Nate Esboldt with eight. The fifth starter, Jake Damhof, gobbled up 10 rebounds to go with three points.
Sophomore guard Patrick Fischer spurred the Sabres with 18 points.
Willmar 69, Sartell 51
Sartell (0-4, 3-7) 25 26 -- 51
Willmar (4-0, 6-1) 31 38 -- 69
SARTELL - 20-49 FG (4-16 3-pt); 7-14 FT; 24 rebounds; 17 fouls ... Scoring: Zach Krippner 5, Kyler Kalla 2, Andy Kutz 2, Tom Bearson 2, Shawn Heinen 2, Patrick Fischer 18, Tim Immelman 5, Zach Jiskra 3, AJ Grank 3, Jordan Gieske 7, Nate Halverson 2 .... 3-point shots: Fishcer 2, Frank 1, Krippner 1 ... Rebound leaders: not available
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WILLMAR - 26-58 FG (7-25 3-pt); 10-15 FT; 31 rebounds; 16 fouls ... Scoring: Dean Stier 3, Nate Esboldt 8, Jeremy Schendel 11, Jimmy Unger 20, Jake Rambow 16, Jeremy Olson 2, Damon Ruter 2, Jake Damhof 3, Alex Grove 4 ... 3-point shots: Unger 4, Stier 1, Schendel 1, Rambow 1 ... Rebound leaders: Damhof 10, Olson 5 ... Assist leaders: Esboldt 5 ... Steal leaders: Esboldt 2
