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ALEXANDRIA — It wasn’t easy, but the Brainerd Warriors remained unbeaten in the Central Lakes Conference with Friday’s 56-54 win over Alexandria.
The Cardinals’ Logan Doyle hit a 3-pointer with five seconds left, but Alexandria had no timeouts remaining to stop the clock.
Brainerd had four players in double figures led by Jacob Blong and Jack Sauer with 13. Marcus Comstock scored 11 and Tony Sauer finished with 10.
“They’re a very good defensive team and we missed some shots early from close in,” said Warriors head coach Scott Stanfield. “Logan Doyle (6-foot-8) really affected our shots. He can change your shots from quite a distance away because he’s so long. We struggled with that.”
The Warriors swept the season series with the Cardinals as they beat them 62-53 on Jan. 3. Friday’s win moves Brainerd to 10-0 in the conference.
Brainerd shot just 38 percent from the field and 67 percent from the line, but made its free throws when it mattered.
“What was nice was when we were ahead we were able to hold the ball for 45 seconds to a minute at a time and didn’t turn the ball over,” said Stanfield. “We forced them to foul us. Luckily Comstock went 6-for-6 and Tony Sauer made all four of his.
“It was a good learning experience for our kids. Once we get into sections we may have to do that and it was good practice for our kids.”
Alexandria 16 38 — 54
Brainerd 26 30 — 56
ALEXANDRIA
Brandon Bistodeau 4, John Vogeler 19, Joe Gorghuber 3, Chase Kohler 10, David Krivanek 2, Logan Doyle 10, Ted Deitz 4. FG 19-45 (42 percent), FT 11-12 (92 percent). 3-point 5-21 (24 percent).
BRAINERD
Tony Sauer 10, Jack Sauer 13, Jacob Blong 13, Marcus Comstock 11, Ian Haug 2, Chris Bowman 2, Jagar Hanson 5. FG 18-48 (38 percent), FT 16-24 (67 percent). 3-point 4-17 (24 percent). Conference: 10-0. Overall: 17-1. Next: hosts Sauk Rapids 7:30 p.m. Monday.
