Charlie Perkins put in a basket from the paint, Sam Ternes sacked a three, and Perkins also added a basket from behind the arc for an early 8-7 Clipper lead over visiting Mankato Loyola on Tuesday.
The Clipper spark faded fast though. Loyola stole and put in a layup, and after a Ternes free shot tied the game 9-9, it was all Crusaders, who, with seven threes in their repertoire, led 29-16 at halftime before cruising to a 62-30 victory.
In the second half, Ternes put in a three, Tony Hollerich and Tanner Simonette each added a two-point bucket, and the rest of the Clipper points came from the foul line.
Ternes had a pair of threes, a two and a foul basket for nine total points. Perkins had five points. Hollerich had four points, all in the second half. Simonette had four points. Kiptyn Coon put in a first-half three. Jack Mons made two free throws in the second half. Mason Kluntz made a pair of first-half free shots. Luke Heldberg made two second-half free throws.
The Clippers sank four threes and 10 of 12 foul shots. The Crusaders totaled 11 baskets from three-point land and were successful in one of their two free shots.
The JV Clippers return to action tonight when they travel to Alden.
Above: Tanner Simonette races the ball down court.
