Ahead of Loyola by 10 points in the second half, the B boys needed to surrender less than a point a minute for a Thursday victory, but the Crusaders took over at the 3:35 mark and went on to win 39-35.
The Clippers managed to pick up a triumph 24 hours later though when they traveled back to Mankato for a game at Immanuel Lutheran.
Blake Lyons (above) hit a jumper, Gabe Sullivan followed with a three from the corner, Ethan Fuller with a layup and an and-one converted another three-point play, and the Clippers were off to an 8-0 start on the Loyola court.
The Crusaders went on an 8-point run of their own after that, but Jorden Rossow splashed a three, and with a couple of Lyons layups and a Kale Kelley bucket, the Clippers were in front 19-13.
From there, Fuller dumped in a basket, Lyons and Kyle Connor scored, and Fuller put in a jumper from the corner for a 27-18 Clipper lead at the intermission.
With Lyons and Sullivan gone after the break, Connor made a free throw after a Jaden Miller steal. The Crusaders scored twice, but Connor broke inside for a basket, and Kelly drove to the hoop for a bucket that put the Clipper up front 32-22.
But aided by Clipper turnovers, Loyola posted seven of the next nine points and then hit a jumper to take the lead.
With two minutes left, Rossow was on the receiving end of an offensive foul, an elbow to the nose to be precise, and the court looked like a scene from a slasher movie…to be even more precise. When finished with his blood donation, Rossow, although not seriously injured, left the floor and did not return.
Trailing 37-35, the Clippers had heaps of chances to regain the lead, especially after the Crusaders made three fruitless trips to the foul line, but the Crusaders managed a pair of free shots in the final seconds to put a bow on the come-from-behind triumph.
Fuller led the effort with nine points. Lyons posted eight points in one half played. Kelley and Connor each added five points. Rossow and Connor each had a three, and Miller put in a couple of free shots for two points.
The Clippers were a lackluster seven of 16 from the foul line. Similarly, Loyola had a pair of threes and was seven of 15 from the foul line.
The Clippers were never behind at Immanuel Lutheran and won 45-19.
Fuller’s 2-point basket opened the game. Sullivan arced a three, and then Fuller scored again before the IL finally posted a basket four minutes in. The Clippers led 36-3 at the break.
Lyons totaled 10 points in one half played, Fuller and Kelley each added seven points. Sullivan and Connor contributed six points. Rossow had six points, all gained from three-point country. Miller had three points.
The Clippers had three three-point baskets and were six of 16 from the free stripe. IL put in a pair of threes and made three of nine foul shots.
The B boys return to action on Tuesday with a home game against LCWM.
Jaden Miller goes up for a shot at Loyola.
Kale Kelley on the drive at Loyola.
Ethan Fuller looks to hoop during the Loyola game.