In the first quarter Paynesville played well, taking a 16-13 lead, but their zone defense gave Sauk Centre too many easy shots.
In the second quarter the Bulldogs switched to a man-to-man defense. Paynesville only allowed the Mainstreeters to score four points the entire quarter.
“The second quarter was the best quarter we’ve had all season,” said head coach Darrel Carstens.
At halftime the Bulldogs led 34-17.
The third quarter left a little bit to be desired for Paynesville. Mental lapses allowed Sauk Centre to score 18 points. Luckily for the Bulldogs, they also scored 18.
Everything went wrong for the Bulldogs in the fourth and final quarter. From technical fouls to turnovers this was not one of the Bulldogs shining moments.
However, Paynesville did shoot free throws exceptionally well. The Bulldogs didn’t completely fall apart because they hung on to win this one 67-64.
Ryan Hemingson did an outstanding job for Paynesville going 11/11 from the free throw line and scoring 25 points.
Sauk Centre: 13 4 18 29 - 64
Paynesville : 16 18 18 15 - 67