A back-and-forth game came down to a free throw and a defensive stop as the Brainerd Warriors defeated the Central Lakes Conference-leading Willmar Cardinals 53-52 Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Myah Nelson led Brainerd with 20 points and five assists and Meghan Smith added 12
“What an awesome win tonight against a Willmar team that plays a physical brand of basketball,” Warriors head coach Troy Nelson said. “We played with good energy and showed a lot of grit. The girls battled the whole game and made plays down the stretch.”
With the game tied at 52, Ally Brzezinski’s free throw gave the Warriors the lead with seven seconds to go. Brainerd’s defense held off Willmar on the final possession.
Brzezinski led the Warriors with eight rebounds and Emma Tautges grabbed seven boards.
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With the win the Warriors improved to 5-3 in conference play and 7-3 overall.
Willmar 20 32 -- 52
Brainerd 24 29 -- 53
WILLMAR
Samatha Christoffer 14, Mackenzie Jones 9, Emily Staska 4, Kenedee Salonek 3, Callie Slagter 4, Jaida Reiman 13, Ella Shinn 5. FG 17-59 (29%), FT 14-18 (78%). 3-point 4-15 (27%).
