Pequot Lakes at Esko

Recap

A Bode Magnuson 3-pointer with under 15 seconds to go lifted the Patriots to a big section win on the road in Esko.

Offense was tough to come by for both teams in the first half as Esko took a 23-22 lead into the locker room. The Patriots led 20-14, but Esko outscored them 9-2 in the final 5:06 of the half.

The hosting Eskomos grabbed some momentum with very efficient offense in the second half, building a 42-32 lead around the 10:00 mark with a 15-3 run. The experienced Patriots team responded, putting together a 22-7 run t lead 54-49 with only a couple minutes left. Esko’s sophomore guard Cuinn Berger nailed a three to tie the game at 56 with 55 seconds to go. A Patriots’ turnover and foul allowed Esko to take the lead back with a pair of free throws. Pequot Lakes had the ball, and Bode Magnuson, who had already scored 17 second half points, started to drive when the defender stepped back, leaving him enough room to launch a three-pointer that was good with about 12 seconds on the clock. Esko set up their final play, got a decent look, but their three point shot was short and the Patriots celebrated the road win. The Patriots are 6-0 and will play at Detroit Lakes Friday.

Team stats: Turnovers – PL 15, Esko 19; Rebounds (offensive) – Esko 30 (11), PL 23 (10); Free Throws – Esko 7/10, PL 4/12

Esko Leaders: Jonah Randa 16 pts; Cuinn Berger 13 pts, Riley Fischer 12pts, 2 assists; Eli Blue 4pts, 5 steals

Pequot Lakes Leaders: Bode Magnuson 27 pts, 4 assists; Alex Morgan 13pts

Pequot Lakes Coach Rich Spiczka Postgame: