The Blackhawks got prepared and then traveled on the road to take on the Edgar Wildcats in their yearly non-conference game, which is always entertaining and always physical. The Blackhawks stuck with it and made some key plays down the stretch and won 54-51.
The Hawks first six points came from Preston Fritz as he earned two early baskets crashing the offensive boards and later put in two free throws, making the score 6-4 early. After a few empty trips they got hoops from Fritz and Clay Mueller, and later a three from Fritz. The Blackhawks got contributions from others including Jack Wendler inside and Winston Poehler and a three from Talon Mueller. The Hawks only lead by two at the half, 27-25.
More defense by both teams in the second half but a post move by Fritz got the scoring going for the Hawks. Threes by Colton Paczkowski and Talon Mueller kept the lead. Excellent execution by the Blackhawks running a lob to Clay Mueller for two. Then five straight points by Winston Poehler made it 42-36. As the Wildcats caught up, the Hawks got a lift from Preston Fritz as he scored on a hard drive. Towards the end, Poehler scored on a drive and got a critical putback. Even though the Wildcats kept answering, Talon Mueller sank two key free throws and Clay Muller added on more, putting the lead at three. The Blackhawks were able to make one last stand and deny the Wildcats any thoughts of overtime as they won 54-51.
The Blackhawks outrebounded the Wildcats 37-31 along with 14 assists.
Box Score: Fritz 17 pts, 6 rebs, 2 asts; Poehler 16 pts, 9 rebs, 3 asts, 2 stls; T. Mueller 8 pts, 6 rebs, 3 asts; Paczkowski 5 pts, 4 rebs, 2 asts; C. Mueller 5 pts, 5 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls; Pyrchalla 1 reb, 1 ast.
Coach's Comments
We played solid tonight, in a physical game and never let up. I thought the guys took care of the ball and our defensive rotations were pretty strong. We moved the ball well and found the open guy for rhythm shots.