BUFFALO-Michael Russell erupted for 26 points on 8-of-14 shooting to lead the Brainerd Warriors to a 59-43 victory over the St. Michael-Albertville Knights Wednesday.
Kobe Ahonen finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds and Chris Pederson added 15 points and six boards.
"We got off to a sluggish start and were down by four at halftime," said Brainerd head coach Scott Stanfield. "The second half we played with more urgency and discipline on the defense side of the ball and held them to 11 second-half points. Michael Russell had a terrific game shooting the ball, and distributing it. Kobe and Chris played well underneath and it was a good win against a section opponent."
St. Michael-A 32 11 - 43
Brainerd 28 29 - 59
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ST. MICHAEL-ALBERTVILLE
Xavier Thurman 6, Colton Campbell 10, Erich Rotenberger 3, Asaba Chomilo 3, Jacob Veier 2, Jacob Brown 11, Isaiah Weston 2, Elijah Rice 6. FG 16-53 (30.2 percent), FT 5-9 (55.6 percent). 3-point 6-20 (30 percent).
BRAINERD
Luke West 2, Michael Russell 26, Jack Geraets 3, Chris Pederson 15, Kobe Ahonen 13. FG 19-41 (46.3 percent), FT 14-21 (66.7 percent). 3-point 7-16 (43.8 percent). Overall: 9-2. Next: vs. Buffalo at St. Michael 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
