Nine straight points in forty seconds late in the fourth quarter helped the Dell Rapids Quarriers send the game into overtime. The Quarriers then built a five-point lead late in overtime and held for a 61-59 win over the West Central Trojans on Friday, December 8th.
Dell Rapids shot the ball well in the opening quarter and had a 17-12 lead at quarter’s end. The Trojan defense then held Dell Rapids to just eight points in the second quarter as they took a 28-25 lead into halftime. The score was tied 33-33 late in the third quarter, but West Central went on a 6-0 run for a 39-33 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Trojans held the lead for most of the fourth quarter and led 51-43 after two made free-throws with 1:45 to go. Dell Rapids made a three-point shot, and then the defense had three steals in the backcourt that led to three layups in a matter of forty seconds to take a 52-51 lead. West Central tied the score with a made free-throw late. Dell Rapids had a couple of shots to win in regulation, but could not get the basket to fall.
The Quarriers took a 61-56 lead late in the overtime period. The Trojans got a made three-point shot to make the score 61-59 with less than twenty seconds to play. They were then able to get a steal, but their last second shot fell short.
Dell Rapids shot 35% (23-65) from the field overall, 22% (5-23) from three-point area, and 53% (10-19) from the free-throw line. West Central shot 33% (17-52) overall, 33% (10-30) from three-point area, and 79% (15-19) from the free-throw line. The Trojans had 19 turnovers, and Dell Rapids had 15 turnovers.
Tad Tjaden finished with 28 points, eight rebounds, and 2 steals. Jack Henry had 23 points and seven rebounds. Cole Ruesink added five points, four rebounds, four assists, and five steals. Lincoln Fersdahl had three points, six rebounds, and five assists. Rhett Kloth had two points, 10 rebounds, and four blocked shots.
