Both the Tri-Valley Mustang girls and boys basketball team had tough offensive nights at Elk Point-Jefferson on Thursday, January 28th. Despite the struggles, both teams got a road win against the Huskies.
The Mustang girls did not make a field goal the entire fourth quarter, but made enough free-throws to hang on for a 46-43 win.
Tri-Valley did hold a six-point lead at the end of the first quarter, 14-8. The Huskies closed the gap to just three points by halftime at 25-22. The Mustangs built a big enough lead in the third quarter to help them get the win. They outscored Elk Point-Jefferson 16-8 for a 41-30 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Huskies went on a 10-0 run to pull within a point at 41-40 with 3:45 to go in the game. The Mustangs made enough free throws to hang on to the lead and get the win.
The Mustangs shot 36% (15-42) from the field, 21% (3-14) from three-point area, and 65% (13-20) from the free-throw line. Tri-Valley forced 23 Elk Point-Jefferson turnovers, 15 of those being steals.
Tabor Teel finished with 16 points, six rebounds, and five rebounds. Blayne Gacke had eight points and four steals. Lauren Grinde had eight points, three rebounds, and two steals. Steph Buchmann and Paige Jewett both had five points each.
The Tri-Valley boys shot just 26% (13-50) from the field and 14% (3-21) from three-point area, but took advantage of the trips to the free-throw line. They were 20-29 from the free-throw line to help them earn a 49-41 win.
The Mustangs had a three-point lead at 12-9 after the first quarter of play. Both teams scored 10 points each in the second quarter, and Tri-Valley continued to lead by three at halftime, 22-19. The Huskies took the lead late in the third quarter and led 34-33 heading into the fourth quarter. A string of steals and free-throws late in the fourth quarter were key to the win.
Riley Haynes had 15 points and six rebounds. Nick Hass had 13 points and four rebounds. Tyler Johnson finished with eight points and five rebounds. Owen Besmer had a team-high nine rebounds, and Bryce Kienast had a team-high six steals.
The Mustang boys (5-6) will play Deuel at the Dak-12/NEC Clash in Madison on Saturday, January 30th, and then play at West Central on Tuesday, February 2nd. The Mustang girls (6-6) will play at West Central on Tuesday, February 2nd.