Game-high 21 points
(photo by Jim Lindquist)
Farmington made it a perfect week with its second straight Missota Conference victory, a 57-48 decision over Northfield Friday night in Northfield.
After a 2-7 start, the Tigers have now won four of their last six and coach Shane Wyandt said that contributions from far corners of the roster have played a big part in the turnaround.
"In the past, we have had a shorter bench," he said, "but in some games this year we have played 10 or 11 guys. As long as they stay mature about spreading it (minutes) around, I think that will be a plus for us."
Friday night Wyandt shuffled nine different players in and out and all made contributions.
Two first half runs, the first an 11-0 spurt after falling behind 12-11, combined to give the visitors a 28-22 lead at halftime in a period dominated by defense.
"I think we took a big step forward tonight as far as defense goes," Wyandt said."
A combination of an aggressive Farmington defense and missed Northfield shots helped stretch the Farmington lead to as many as 14 points in the second half.
The only thing keeping the Raiders in the contest was free throws as the Tigers found themselves over the foul limit for the final 9:57.
The Raiders used their 20 second half free throw opportunities to cut their deficit to six points in the final two minutes before a basket and free throw by Jake Hanson and buckets by Darren Beenken and Mackinley Bassett finally sealed the deal.
Beenken led all scorers with 21 points. Hanson added 10, including five in the final three minutes.
"Jake does a lot of the dirty work for us," Wyandt said. "The coaches have made him a co-captain for his efforts. He plays in games like he does in practice; he gets after it."
Nick Varner, who averages in double figures for the season, had only two points, but led in rebounding with 11. Bassett had eight points and Tom Sell chipped in with six points and six rebounds off the bench.
The Tigers will be looking to make it three in a row when they entertain Chaska Tuesday night, Jan. 24. Tip is 7:30 at Tiger Gym.
