Matthew Johnson scored career point number 1000 with his first basket of the night Friday at the Kennedy Secondary School in Fergus Falls and went on to score 31 points in leading the Fergus Falls Otters to a 63-52 win over the Willmar Cardinals. Johnson also had 9 rebounds and 6 assists.

The Otters jumped to an early lead and held a 30-23 advantage at the half. Willmar’s defensive pressure got them back in the game but the Otters were able to hold on with the help of some key free throws by Ethan Olson and Johnson late in the game to help secure the victory.

Olson and Bauer Rogelstad each scored 9 points for the Otters and Dom Aguilar finished with 4 assists in the game.

“It was a terrific defensive effort, and we rebounded well against a long, athletic team,” stated Head Coach Matt Johnson. “Matthew had a great individual achievement tonight, one well deserved for all of his hard work. He had a great game and was extremely efficient.”

Fergus Falls (5-5, 3-2 CLC) will host St. Cloud Apollo on Tuesday night.