Hillcrest shot just 29% (14-48) from the field. They were led by 15 points from Gabriel Preston. Thomas Zwiers added 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Sander Frustol had 5 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Nick Foss finished with a team high 3 assists and added 4 points.

“Down 17 at half, our guys came out and defended extremely well and went on a 13-0 run to start the second half to pull within four points at 34-30,” reported Hillcrest Head Coach Gregg Preston. “Our help team defense allowed us to be in a position to make the game competitive in the second half. The Panthers finished the game playing very good defense, taking care of the ball and finishing late in the game.”

The Comets (9-8) will play D-G-F at 1:00pm Saturday at the Fargo Civic Center.