Going down swinging, the Clipper B boys didn’t let host Loyola run away with a victory on Thursday but still lost 57-37.
Pressing hard, the Crusaders scored the first dozen points, half of them after steals, before Bode Bartell looped in a basket from three-point territory.
With the Clippers finding a rhythm, Brady Bostic assisted an Alex Johnson jumper for two points, and Gavin Karels drove the baseline for a basket. Johnson put in another jumper, and the Clippers narrowed their deficit to six, 15-9.
Later, Nathan Strobel (above) drove from coast-to-coast and scored on a layup and followed up with an offensive rebound and another basket. Jordan Schmidt took the ball inside a couple of baskets, but the Crusaders went on a scoring binge after that.
Strobel drove the paint for a bucket down the stretch, but Loyola scored to finish the half with a 35-19 advantage.
Mason Kluntz put in the first basket after the break, but the Crusaders put the press back on for steals and consequent scores. After Kluntz hit a gratuity shot, Strobel broke up the run with a jump shot in the paint. Bartell hooked in a bucket, but the Crusaders were out front 47-26.
Karels drove for a basket, Bostic scored on a jumper and Strobel twisted in a two-pointer down the Stretch. After Johnson and Karels each put in a free shot, Strobel hit a three at the buzzer.
Strobel led the effort with a baker’s dozen. Bartell, Karels and Johnson each added five points. Schmidt contributed four points, Kluntz posted three points, and Bostic chipped in two points.
The B boys host Sleepy Eye in a make-up game on Monday.
Jordan Schmidt had a mini run of four quick points in the first half.
Alex Johnson looks for an open teammate.
Bode Bartell takes the ball across the far court while coach Travis Mons watches.
Gavin Karels goes up for a shot.