Although the score wasn’t lopsided, as it was when the JV boys beat Nicollet 45-21 back on December 17, the Clippers topped Nicollet again on Thursday, this time with a 55-50 triumph.
Alex Kortuem put in a couple of threes in the first half before exiting at halftime. With a Gavin Karels two and a three and a pair of two-point baskets and a three from Kiptyn Coon in the offensive mix, the Clippers went into the locker room with a 25-15 advantage.
With one Raider scoring 13 points in the second half and another 10 points, the Clipper lead dwindled to five, 49-44, but Miles Tomaszewski, who entered the game in the second half after two halves of C game, responded with a three.
The Raiders made a pair of free throws, but with 2:24 remaining, Sam Ternes parked a three to widen the Clipper lead. The Raiders put in a pair of baskets from there, but they weren’t enough, and the Clippers held on for the triumph.
With 13 points, including a pair of threes, Ternes paced the Clippers in the team effort. Karels also had two threes and scored 11 total points. Tanner Simonette dropped in a basket in the first half and three in the second half for eight total points. Only checked in the first half, Coon put in a pair of twos and a three for seven points. Kortuem had six points. Mason Kluntz added five points. Tomaszewski had three points, and Ryg, on the floor only in the second half, notched a bucket.
The Clippers totaled eight threes and were five of 12 in free throw shooting. The Raiders made a pair of threes and four of 10 foul shots.
The Clippers will have a chance to avenge an earlier season loss when they host Mankato Loyola on Tuesday.
Above: Tanner Simonette dishes off to Miles Tomaszewski.
