Byron’s Lee Not Enough Touches in Loss to Sauk Centre

The top ranked and unbeaten Sauk Centre Mainstreeters made som awesome adjustments to come from behind and defeat Byron 67-61 in Class AA State Girls Basketball action.  6’5 Bear senior Ayoka  Lee had 17 shots in the game and there were many trips down the floor when she never touched the ball.  In the first half Lee was 6 of 9 from the field and had 15 points, 12 rebounds and 7 blocked shots.

Byron led 34-25 at the half against the top seed and top ranked Mainstreeters.

Lee was 5 of 8 from the field in the second half with 5 rebounds and no blocks.  She finished the game with 26 points, 17 rebounds and the 7 blocks.

The difference was an adjustment Sauk Centre made at the half.  They beat Byron’s defense down the court time after time thanks to some turnovers and missed Byron baskets, and had two girls stick by Lee while others rebounded.  The Mainstreeters tied the game just two and a half minutes into the half.  Two minutes later Sauk Centre had a 7 point lead and pushed it to double digits with 11:30 to go (46-36).

Byron whittled it down to a one possession game with 1:29 to go but the Mainstreeters hit 5 free throws in the final 1:16.

The free throw line was the difference with Sauk Centre going 20 of 25 from the line and Byron 7 of 10.  The Bears had 4 more field goals in the game and the Mainstreeters had just one more three point basket (7-6).

Sauk Centre had 18 rebounds in the second half and Byron 14.  The Mainstreeters finished with a 36-34 advantage on the glass with 14 offensive boards. The Bears had nine offensive rebounds.

Byron plays 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Concordia University in St. Paul against Minnehaha Academy.  The RedHawks fell to Norwood-Young America 67-58.

Minnehaha was the #4 seed.