“Great rivalry game tonight in Alexandria,” stated Fergus Falls Head Coach Brad Strand.  “This is the type of game that will make both of us better.  Alex was lights out behind the arc, hitting 12 of 24.”

The lead changed hands 7 times and the game was tied 10 times.  Fergus Falls led 14-9 early in the game, however, a 7 point run by Alexandria gave them a 16-14 lead.  The Otters broke a 27-27 tie on a late 3 by Logan Strom to take the 3-point halftime lead.

The Cardinals scored 11 of the first 13 points of the second half to take a 38-32 lead and extended that lead to 45-35 before the Otters went on a 13-2 run to tie the game at 47-47.  The two teams exchanged 3-point field goals to make it a 50-50 game with 1:40 to play.  Alexandria decided to hold the ball for the last shot and as time was winding down they were able to get a good three-point look from the right corner which Mataya Hoelscher knocked down to break the tie.  A desperation shot in the final moments of the game sailed over the backboard and the Cardinals walked off the court with their fourth straight win, improving their season record to 5-2.  Hoelscher’s 3 was her fifth of the night.  She was the leading scorer for the Cardinals with 15 points.  Jaya Hatlestad was also in double digits with a dozen, all coming in the first half.  Six different players hit shots from beyond the arc for the home team.

Fergus Falls struggled from the field, making only 37% of their shots and hitting just 4-of-20 (20%) from 3-point range.  Ellie Colbeck finished the game strong, scoring 13 of her game high 21 in the final minutes of the second half.  Anna Anderson had 8 of her 10 points in the first half and also grabbed 6 rebounds.  Paige Pearson led the Otters with 9 boards.

Fergus Falls only committed five fouls in the game and Alexandria only turned the ball over 6 times.

Alexandria will host Sartell on Monday night, while the Otters (3-3) entertain Detroit Lakes in a Saturday matinee game at 3:00pm.