COLFAX — The Colfax-Mingo boys’ basketball team proved it could win a close game Tuesday night.
The Tigerhawks built a 17-point lead early in the fourth quarter but needed to hit free throws late to hold off Belle Plaine at home.
Colin Lourens had a big second half and finished with 19 points, while Jarod Nichols recorded a double-double as the Tigerhawks held off Belle Plaine, 64-61, during South Iowa Cedar League play.
Jarod Nichols had 13 points and 14 rebounds for Colfax-Mingo. Jacob Lietz also scored 10 points, while Jared Myers and Blake Summy each scored eight. The Tigerhawks (8-3 overall, 6-3 in SICL) won their fifth straight game.
“We had a really good third and first two minutes of the fourth quarter,” Colfax-Mingo coach John Borts said. “We forced several turnovers, which got us into our fastbreak.
“We didn’t take care of the ball late in the game and that allowed them to tie the game with two minutes to play. Credit our guys for staying together and making enough free throws to get the win.”
The game was tied at 24-all at halftime. Lourens was hampered by foul trouble most of the way.
“It was a tight game early,” Borts said. “We had some good opportunities that we didn’t convert.”
Myers added five rebounds and five assists to his eight points. Lietz dished out seven assists to go along with his 10 points. Summy collected three steals.
The Tigerhawks won despite making 17-of-31 from the line.
Belle Plaine, who reached the state tournament last year, got 19 points from Jacob Ehlen, while Brodie Bohlen and Brand DeMeulenaere each scored 12 points. Belle Plaine fell to 6-6 overall and 5-5 in conference play.
GIRLS
Belle Plaine 67,
Colfax-Mingo 27
A slow start plagued the Tigerhawks on Tuesday as Belle Plaine led 26-7 after one quarter and cruised to the 40-point win.
The Tigerhawks (2-10, 2-8) scored just seven points in the second half, including a one-point third quarter.
Ries Wilson scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the way, while Amy Russell and Mackensie Brown each scored five points. Brown also had seven rebounds. Dakota Hostetter had five boards.
It was the Tigerhawks’ third straight loss.
Belle Plaine improved to 9-5 overall and 8-5 in the SICL.