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PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Tiger defense stifles Worthington, 75-44

Photo by Brennen Rupp Marshall’s Brock Pruszynski looks to score in the second half against Worthington Friday. Marshall won 75-44.

MARSHALL – The third ranked Marshall Tigers (18-1) turned up the pressure on the Worthington Trojans Friday evening. Marshall’s defense gave the visiting Trojans fits all night forcing 19 turnovers and coming up with 15 steals. The strong defensive performance led to a 75-44 Tigers victory. With the win, the Tigers extended their winning streak to 13 games.

“We were able to create some turnovers,” said Marshall coach Travis Carroll. “We gave Worthington some high percentage shots early. As the game wore on we did a better job of creating some turnovers and creating high percentage opportunities on our end. We did a good job of moving without the basketball on the offensive end.”

The Tigers sprinted out of the gates to take an 8-0 lead. Worthington responded by going on a 16-8 run to tie the game at 16 at the eight minute mark of the first half. The Trojans were able to draw even thanks to some hot shooting from beyond the arc. After the Trojans tied the game at 16 the Tigers closed out the first half on a 25-9 run to take a 41-25 lead into the locker room.

“Worthington did a good job of being even with us on the rebounds,” said Carroll.“They had a nice run in the first half when they were knocking down some shots. We needed to do a better job of finding shooters and we did that after they drew even with us.”

The Trojans packed the paint in the first half in an effort to take away Weston Baker Magrath. Worthington’s defensive gameplan worked, as Baker Magrath finished the first half with just two points. Unfortunately for the Trojans, they didn’t account for Trey Lance and Zach Bloemker. The Tiger guards combined for 19 first half points. Carroll said one of his team’s greatest strengths is their depth.

“Every game brings different challenges,” said Carroll. “Some games they’ll take the inside game away. Other times they’ll try to take away the outside game. It’s good that we have a good mix. We have a good mix inside and a good mix on the perimeter.”

If the Trojans had any hopes of a second half they were quickly squashed. With the Trojans trailing 57-36, the Tigers went on a 16-0 run to open up a 73-36 lead to put the game out of reach.

The Tigers balanced offense was on full display with eight players scoring five or more points. Lance and Bloemker both scored 13 points to lead the balanced attack.

The Tigers will look to pick up their 14th straight win Tuesday when they travel to Pipestone to take on the Arrows. The Tigers defeated the Arrows earlier this season 70-35.

“We have to come out and take care of the ball,” said Carroll. “We’re going to have to rebound and play defense at a high level. Pipestone is a good team and they’ve been playing well this season.”

Worthington 25 19 – 44

Marshall 41 34 – 75

SCORING: Marshall 30-57, 52 percent (Lance 5-9, 1-2 13; Bloemker 6-11, 0-0 13; Sueker 5-10, 0-0 11; Winkelman 4-4, 0-1 8; Hess 1-3, 5-6 7; Baker Magrath 2-5, 2-4 6; VanMoer 2-5, 1-1 6).

3-POINT FG: Marshall 6 (Lance 2; Four with 1).

REBOUNDS: Marshall 25 (Andries 5; Lance 4).

ASSISTS: Marshall 10 (Lance, Winkelman 3; Andries 2).

STEALS: Marshall 15 (Baker Magrath, Lance 4; Winkelman 3).

BLOCKS: Marshall 1 (Baker Magrath).

FOULS: Marshall 11.

TURNOVERS: Marshall 9.

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