3A: Willmar 63, Grand Rapids 42

Last update: March 26, 2008 - 11:10 PM

Cardinals pull away

Recap: Willmar was too much for Grand Rapids, running away with the victory. Both teams came out storming, trading three-pointers in the first 1 minute, 20 seconds of the game. It was that way for a bit -- the score was 9-9 5:30 in -- before Willmar took control. Casey Sussenguth led the Cardinals with 15 points. He was one of eight Cardinals with at least four points. Ten different Willmar players grabbed at least one rebound.

Turning point: A pair of layups seven seconds apart by Willmar's Jordan Smith, both of which were near-dunks, with 9:30 to play in the first half made it 22-11 Cardinals. Grand Rapids twice cut the lead to nine from there, but the rout was on.

Quote: "After the long [eight-day] layoff, we took care of business and accomplished what we set out to do. And that's win." -- Willmar coach Steve Grove

Noteworthy: Grand Rapids did not score a point from the field after the break until 11:17 remained in the second half. It was far too little far too late as that bucket made it a 49-27 game.

BRIAN STENSAAS

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