In their first win of the season, the Clippers survived an onslaught of Martin County West threes down the stretch and hung on to beat the visiting Mavericks 31-24 on Tuesday.
Nathan Seeman swished a basket from the top of the arc to get the Clippers off to a good start. Fouled behind the arc, Alex Kortuem made the second and third of three free shots, and Mason Kluntz followed up with a pair of baskets from the floor to put the Clippers in front 9-2.
After getting a good look, Seeman arced in another three, and Braeden Smith pulled down an offensive rebound and scored for a 14-4 Clipper advantage.
After Alex Johnson put in a layup, the Mavericks surged for eight of the next 10 points to pull within four, 16-12, but Johnson put in a turnaround jumper from the paint, Seeman scored on a layup, and the Clippers led 20-14 at the break.
Kluntz stole and during the same possession put in a jumper for the first basket of the second half. Kluntz scored again right away after fielding a long Kortuem pass. Sam Ternes’s fade away from the baseline went through the net, Johnson put in another turnaround jumper, and the Clipper were up 28-14.
The Mavericks put in a trio of threes to pull within six with 3:42 remaining. The Clippers made just one of six free throws down the stretch but held on for the win.
Each with eight points, Seeman and Kluntz paced the Clippers. Johnson added six points. Smith scored a basket each half for four points. Ternes and Kortuem each added two points. Tanner Simonette put in a free throw for the last point of the game.
The Clippers had two threes and were three of 11 from the foul line. MCW put in three threes and were three of nine in free throw shooting.
The B boys have a chance to avenge a season-opening 39-29 loss when they host Madelia tonight (Thursday).
Above: Alex Johnson did a good job at low post with six points.
Nathan Seeman on the layup
Tanner Simonette sets up for a pass.
Nathan Brink eyes the rim.
Braeden Smith on the jumper.