“We struggled shooting the ball early and couldn’t find a rhythm against the DL zone,” said Head Coach Matt Johnson of the Otters.  “We did a much better job in the second half of attacking and getting the looks we wanted.  Shots started to fall and we were able to stretch a lead.”

The Otters had a good start, taking an early 8-2 lead a few minutes into the contest, but saw the Lakers score 11 straight to take a 13-8 lead. Fergus Falls had an eight minute scoring drought as they struggled to find an offensive rhythm against the deliberate Lakers who took their largest lead of the game at 18-12 with around four minutes to go in the half. A mini 7-point run to end the half gave the lead back to the Otters 19-18. Fergus Falls shot poorly in the half, making 8-of-23 shots, with the Lakers 8-of-21.

 The Otters began the 2nd-half getting a pair of conventional 3-point plays, from Chance Fazio and Parker Jacobs to open up a lead that was 13 (35-22) midway through the half and as much as 19 (50-31) with 3:14 to go. Much improved second-half shooting saw the Otters connect on 67% (14-of-21) of their attempts to shoot 50% for the game. The Lakers were                                                      a dismal 4-of-22 in the 2nd-half with three of those behind the arc and                                                  29% (12-of-43) for the game. The Otters shot seven free-throws, making five 5, with the Lakers 8-of-10 at the line. 

Ethan Olson and Fazio led the scoring for the Otters with 12 points each, with Dominic Aguilar adding 11 and Jacobs 7. Max Gunderson and Reed Mace had 10 each for the Lakers, who were playing without the services of starter Gabe Hanninen, out with an injury.

The Otters return to action Thursday as they travel to Brainerd for a Central Lakes Conference tilt with the Warriors. The Otters are tied for the conference lead with Alexandria.