FERGUS FALLS -- Jake Damhof made a three-point play with 49 seconds left to cap a double-digit rally for Willmar as the Cardinals edged Central Lakes Conference rival Fergus Falls 63-60 Tuesday to pick up their first win of the season.
Willmar, which was playing just its second game of the season after opening at Edina on Dec. 3, trailed by 12 midway through the second half before outlasting the Otters (1-1, 1-2) down the stretch. Willmar also fell behind by nine late in the first half before Jake Rambow made a three-pointer with three seconds left to snap a 10-0 run from the Otters. Rambow led Willmar with 16 points.
Jeremy Schendel ignited the comeback by netting eight of his 12 points in a short span that allowed Willmar to get within four at 57-53 with 3:50 remaining.
Fergus Falls allowed the Cardinals to stay in the game by missing free throws in the game's closing moments. While the Otters were 3-for-6 from the line in the final three minutes, hustle plays from Alex Grove and Damhof allowed Willmar to get within 59-57 with just under three minutes left.
Mike Millard, who scored a game-high 28 points, made the back end of a bonus opportunity at the free-throw line to give Fergus Falls a 60-57 lead, but the Cardinals responded with another shot down low from Damhof to get within one with two minutes left.
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A Fergus Falls turnover led to a good look at three-pointer from Jimmy Unger for Willmar. The shot bounced off the iron, but Damhof grabbed the offensive rebound and converted the board into two points, getting fouled on the play as well. The 62-60 lead was Willmar's first since leading 27-26 with two minutes left in the first half.
"We were lucky to be down by six at the first half," said Willmar coach Steve Grove. "(Jake) Rambow hit the three and that was a pretty big bucket. The kids kept at it and kept their composure."
The Cardinals, who also got 15 points from Unger, travel to Sauk Rapids on Friday to play the Storm in their next game.
Willmar 63, Fergus Falls 60
Willmar (1-0, 1-1) 30 33 -- 63
Fergus Falls (1-1, 1-2) 36 24 -- 60
WILLMAR - 24-46 FG (3-23 3-pt); 12-18 FT; 31 rebounds; 24 fouls ... Scoring: Dean Stier 3, Nate Esboldt 3, Jeremy Schendel 12, Jimmy Unger 15, Jake Rambow 16, Ryan Lawler 3, Jake Damhof 9, Alexander Grove 2 ... 3-point shots: Stier 1, Unger 1, Rambow 1 ... Rebound leaders: Damhof 7, Unger 7 ... Assist leaders: Esboldt 3 ... Steal leaders: Unger 3
FERGUS FALLS - 21-51 FG (1-5 3-pt); 17-25 FT; 26 rebounds; 20 fouls ... Scoring: Conor Swenson 7, Jake Anderson 2, Taylor Shuck 4, Mike Millard 29, Luke Heck 2, Shane Westenberg 2, Zach Rengel 10, Matt Suek 4 ... 3-point shots: Rengel 1 ... Rebound, assist and steal leaders not available
