Career-high 17 points
(photo by Jim Lindquist)
Mariah Mincke scored a career-high 17 points and the Tigers scored the most points in a game this season but it wasn't quite enough to post their first win in a 61-51 loss to Sartell-St. Stephen Wednesday afternoon in the opening round of the Orono Holiday Tournament.
"Although it’s difficult to face another loss, I thought that this was the best the team has played overall this season," Tiger coach Sondra Chadwick said. "We played them even in the second half. We forced a number of turnovers due to our full-court pressure, and we shot the ball very well."
A rash of first half turnovers cost the Tigers, resulting in a 34-23 deficit at intermission. The teams played to a 28-28 draw in the second half.
Mincke paced the Tiger offense with Isis Alexander and Jeanna Gaalswyk adding nine points apiece. Sofia Chadwick scored four points and led the team in assists (6) and rebounds (5).
"If we had cut down on the turnovers in the first half and kept them off the line, this game could have gone our way," coach Chadwick said. "I am pleased with the level of aggressiveness the girls showed, and it was a true team effort."
The Tigers play host Orono in Thursday's third place game. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
