The Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals had their nine-game winning streak come to an end at the DWU Classic in Mitchell on Saturday, February 13th. The Canistota Hawks used a late run to hand the Cardinals a 61-56 loss.
St Mary went on a big 14-3 run early in the game. With the game tied 10-10 at the 3:10 mark of the first quarter, the Cardinals went on a 14-3 and ended the first quarter leading 24-13. The Hawks responded with a 10-0 run to start the second quarter to cut the lead to 24-23. St Mary was able to keep the lead through the quarter and 36-32 at halftime.
Canistota held St Mary to just seven points in the third quarter while scoring 15 for a 47-43 lead heading into the final quarter of the game. The Cardinals regained the lead at 48-47 with 6:13 to go. The two teams were tied 52-52 with 2:50 to play, and the Hawks finished the game on a 9-4 run knocking down big free-throws for the win.
St Mary was just 33% (19-57) from the field, 38% (8-21) from three-point area and 63% (10-16) from the free-throw line. Canistota’s advantage came from the free-throw line where they were 22-for-26. The Hawks shot 38% (17-45) from the field and 23% (5-22) from three-point area.
Connor Libis had 27 points and six rebounds. Sam Palmer finished with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Max Herber had seven points and 10 rebounds. Ashaun Roach-Valandra had just two points, but seven rebounds and five assists.
St Mary (14-4) will host Baltic on Friday, February 19th. The game can be seen on Big Sioux Media.