8th rated Bucs knock off 7th rated Vikings in Gopher Conference showdown

By: 
Jay Schneider, Life/Enterprise

Zack Sticken scored 12 points in a 72-71 win over Hayfield Friday, Dec. 13. (Jay Schneider photo)

The ending of the match-up between two of the top 10 teams in Class A was one of the most interesting in recent history for the WEM boys basketball team.

WEM, rated 8th and Hayfield, rated 7th, battled to the final second and then some Friday, Dec. 13 in Waterville.

The two teams were tied at 66-all after regulation and four minutes later the Bucs pulled out a 72-71 victory.

There were 17 lead changes and 10 times the score was tied. Neither team led by more than seven points.

The Bucs trailed for much of the game after leading 6-0 the first four minutes.

Hayfield was led in the first half by Patrick Towey, who hit five three pointers and scored 21 points. The Vikings led 38-35 at halftime.

Hayfield held a lead until halfway through the second half when Grant McBroom hit a three-pointer, to give the Bucs a 52-50 lead with 8:41 to play. It was the first time WEM led since late in the first half. The final eight minutes seven lead changes and five ties.

Both teams had chances in the final 1:43 of regulation time to score, but neither team was able to put the ball in the basket.

Hayfield 6-foot-7 -inch center Luke Dudycha missed a layup with 49 seconds remaining. WEM got two cracks at the basket but missed a three-pointer and a put back at the buzzer sending the game into overtime.

In the extra session, McBroom scored early, giving the Bucs a.....

To see more on this story pick up the December 19, 2019 print edition of the Life/Enterprise.

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