In a key battle in Region 3B, the Howard Tigers used a third quarter surge to beat the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinal boys 68-60 on Thursday, February 8th.
The first half played exactly as expected. The two teams battled back-and-forth through the first two quarters of play. Howard had the lead at the end of the first quarter, but just by a point, 13-12. St Mary carried a lead into halftime, 27-25, after outscoring Howard 15-12 in the second quarter. The Tigers then had a big offensive third quarter. They outscored St Mary 27-12 as the Cardinals had to navigate an increase in foul calls. Howard had a 52-39 lead going into the fourth quarter. Howard was able to maintain about a 10-point lead throughout most of the fourth quarter.
St Mary shot 43% (21-49) overall in the game, 35% (7-20) from three-point area, and 79% (11-14) from the free-throw line. Howard finished the game shooting 64% (25-39) overall, 67% (6-9) on three-point shots, and 75% (12-16) from the free-throw line.
Nic Gaspar finished with 18 points, three rebounds, and three steals. Maverick LeBrun added 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Trevon Beckman had 12 points, three rebounds, five steals, and two assists. Trimmier Hanson also finished in double figures with 10 points and also had four steals and two assists.
